Dren Bio Enters into Collaboration with Sanofi on B-Cell Depletion Therapy
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Dren Bio has expanded its strategic collaboration with Sanofi to develop a next-generation B-cell depleting therapy aimed at treating a range of autoimmune diseases.
The new agreement builds on an existing partnership between the two companies. Earlier this year, Sanofi acquired Dren Bio’s DR-0201 programme, now known as SAR448501. The candidate is currently being evaluated in two ongoing Phase 1 studies and has demonstrated strong B-cell depletion, with the potential to support long-lasting remission without continuous treatment.
Under the expanded collaboration, the companies will work together on discovery and preclinical development using Dren Bio’s proprietary myeloid engager and phagocytosis platform. Once a development candidate is selected, Sanofi will take responsibility for further development, manufacturing, regulatory activities and commercialisation.
Dren Bio will receive an upfront payment of US$100 million and may earn up to US$1.7 billion in additional milestone payments linked to development, regulatory progress and commercial performance. The company also has the option to enter into a profit-and-loss sharing arrangement in the United States. If this option is exercised, Dren Bio will contribute to global development costs and gain co-promotion rights in the US, along with an equal share of US profits and losses.
Outside the United States, Dren Bio will remain eligible for milestone payments and tiered royalties based on net sales.
The agreement marks a further step in Dren Bio’s transition towards becoming a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company.
Source: drenbio.com
