Sanofi and Medtronic Form Alliance In Open-Innovation Model For Diabetes Treatments
By Cyndi Root
Sanofi announced in a press release that it has formed an open-innovation alliance with Medtronic to collaborate on diabetes treatments. The two companies wrote a Memorandum of Understanding, which states its aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Initially, the two will focus on simplified insulin treatment, drug-device combinations, and care management that improves adherence. The alliance pairs Medtronic’s insulin pumps and glucose monitoring expertise with Sanofi’s insulin portfolio and drug development experience.
Pascale Witz, Executive Vice President of Global Divisions & Strategic Development at Sanofi, said, “Through this important collaboration, Sanofi will tap into technology advances that aim to create holistic treatment solutions which take into account the individual patient’s needs.” Omar Ishrak, Chairman and CEO of Medtronic, said, “Like Sanofi, we believe there is tremendous opportunity to better align care across the diabetes care continuum through new and varied technologies and patient care management strategies.”
Sanofi and Medtronic Alliance
Sanofi and Medtronic are currently partnered in Europe on Type 1 diabetes implantable insulin delivery systems. Sanofi and Medtronic have called their new alliance an “open-innovation model,” as the two intend to leverage each other’s experience, technologies, and financial resources. If the collaboration is successful, they will explore additional opportunities for partnership. The alliance will take effect after execution of a definitive agreement.
One of the first goals of the alliance is to develop novel drug-device combinations, as new form factors are needed that are effective, convenient, and affordable. Novel devices are needed that also increase adherence, another of the alliance’s major goals. The two companies intend to work with type 2 diabetes patients in an effort to help them achieve disease control. They will help patients through the initiation phase of treatment with oral drugs, as many patients drop out of therapy in the beginning phases of standard treatment.
Sanofi Partnerships
In March of 2014, Sanofi announced two other partnerships. It announced in a press release a long-term strategic cooperation with SK Chemical Co. The two will develop new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends PCVs in all countries. Sanofi also announced a collaboration with UCB for the development of anti-inflammatory small molecules for immune-mediated diseases.