Regeneron amends investor agreement with Sanofi

US biotech firm Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: REGN) says it has amended and restated its investor agreement with French drug major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) which was originally signed in December 2007.

The two companies are co-developing several compounds originated by the US firm including: dupilumab, a fully-human monoclonal antibody with potential for the treatment of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and nasal polyposis; sarilumab, a fully-human anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibody; and alirocumab, an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9).

Under the terms of the amended and restated accord, Sanofi retains its right to acquire up to 30% of Regeneron's outstanding common stock and Class A stock and gains the right to nominate a single independent director to the Regeneron board of directors upon reaching 20% ownership of Regeneron's outstanding common stock and Class A stock.