Sanofi and Blackstone announced a strategic, risk-sharing collaboration under which funds managed by Blackstone Life Sciences (BXLS) will contribute up to €300 million to accelerate the global pivotal studies and the clinical development program for the subcutaneous formulation and delivery of the anti-CD38 antibody Sarclisa, to treat patients with multiple myeloma (MM). If successful, BXLS will be eligible to receive royalties on future subcutaneous sales. The pivotal study for the subcutaneous formulation is expected to begin in the second half of 2022.

For the Sarclisa subcutaneous formulation delivery, Sanofi has partnered with drug delivery technology innovator company Enable Injections, Inc. to advance the development of a subcutaneous delivery for Sarclisa with the goal of offering a unique patient-centric treatment experience.

To-date, Sarclisa has received regulatory approval for intravenous administration to treat certain patients with relapsed MM and is under investigation across the MM treatment continuum of care for other hematologic malignancies and solid tumours.

According to John Reed, MD, Ph.D. Global Head of Research and Development for Sanofi, “The collaboration with Blackstone will accelerate our ability to offer patients a subcutaneous anti-CD38 antibody therapy that we believe will be innovative and more convenient. We are committed to building an industry-leading, sustainable pipeline with a steady stream of new therapies that have the potential to transform the practice of medicine”.

Nicholas Galakatos, Ph.D. Global Head of Blackstone Life Sciences added, ““We are excited to collaborate with Sanofi's experienced development team to advance a subcutaneous dosage form for Sarclisa for patients. Our investment demonstrates Blackstone’s commitment and ability to provide innovative sources of financing to the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies as we offer capital at scale and complementary expertise to help advance important medicines in critical therapeutic areas.”

Sanofi has considerable expertise in oncology and has increased research and development capabilities, focusing on difficult to treat cancers, including breast, blood, and lung.