Sanofi-Synthelabo and Cephalon ink agreement

Sanofi-Synthelabo and Cephalon recently announced that they have signed a collaboration agreement to develop and market angiogenesis inhibitors.

This agreement includes a number of orally active molecules that are based upon Cephalon's proprietary kinase inhibitor technology.

Under the terms of this agreement, Sanofi-Synthelabo acquires co-promotion rights in the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the marketing of the drugs and exclusive marketing rights in Europe and the rest of the world excluding Japan. Sanofi-Synthelabo will make an upfront payment to Cephalon, milestones payments at some steps in the development process of the drugs, and will pay royalties on sales. Sanofi-Synthelabo and Cephalon will share the development expenditures.

The process of angiogenesis, the mechanism by which the body produces blood vessels, provides nutrients and oxygen that feed the development and spread of solid tumors, such as breast and lung cancers.

The addition of angiogenesis inhibitors to its R&D pipeline positions Sanofi-Synthelabo on the forefront of developing innovative therapies to address the unmet needs of today's oncology field.

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