Sanofi Acquires Amunix for Oncology Drug Pipeline
Sanofi announced it is acquiring Amunix Pharmaceuticals, a company focused on immuno-oncology therapies and drug development. The deal is valued at approximately $1 billion.
Sanofi has entered into an agreement to acquire Amunix Pharmaceuticals, a company specializing in immuno-oncology treatments. The acquisition is a strategic move to bolster Sanofi's oncology pipeline and research capabilities.
Amunix utilizes its proprietary Pro-XTENTM technology platform to develop T-cell engagers and cytokine therapies. Its lead candidate, AMX-818, is a masked HER2-directed T-cell engager that is expected to enter clinical trials in early 2022. The technology aims to make biologics active only within tumor tissue, potentially offering safer and more effective cancer treatments.
The acquisition includes an upfront payment of approximately $1 billion, with potential milestone payments of up to $225 million. Sanofi anticipates the transaction will close in the first quarter of 2022. This move supports Sanofi's ongoing efforts in oncology, where it has approximately 20 molecules in development.
"This acquisition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investing in promising research and discovery platforms," stated John Reed, Global Head of Research & Development at Sanofi. He noted that Amunix's technology allows for precision delivery of medicines, intending to activate them only in tumor tissues while sparing normal ones, thus offering more effective and safer treatment options for cancer patients.