Dren Bio, a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company, has entered a strategic collaboration with Sanofi for the discovery and development of a next-generation B-cell depleting therapy to treat various autoimmune diseases.

The new agreement builds on the existing relationship between the two companies, following Sanofi’s acquisition earlier this year of Dren Bio’s DR-0201 program for deep B-cell depletion. 

DR-0201, now known as SAR448501, is currently being evaluated in two ongoing phase 1 studies and has shown robust B-cell depletion, with the potential to induce sustained treatment-free remission in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Per the agreement, Dren Bio will receive an upfront payment of $100 million and is eligible to receive up to $1.7 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments. 

The companies will collaborate on discovery and preclinical development activities, leveraging Dren Bio’s proprietary platform. Following the development candidate selection, Sanofi will assume subsequent responsibility for development, manufacturing, regulatory, and commercialization efforts. 

Alyssa Johnsen, Global Therapeutic Head, Immunology and Oncology Development at Sanofi, said, “By combining Dren Bio’s unique scientific approach with Sanofi’s development expertise, we aim to accelerate the development of innovative therapies for patients in need.”

Amit Mehta, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Officer of Dren Bio, added, “Sanofi has been a valued partner in unlocking the full potential of deep B-cell depletion through the acquisition of DR-0201, and we’re thrilled to expand our collaboration by further leveraging the capabilities of our Targeted Myeloid Engager and Phagocytosis platform.”