Sanofi-Aventis gains US/Canada Rights to novel epinephrine auto-injector from Intelliject for up to $230 million

USA-based Intelliject has entered into an exclusive license with French drug major Sanofi-Aventis' US and Canadian subsidiaries for a novel epinephrine auto-injector for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis, in the US and Canada territory. Under the deal, Sanofi-Aventis US will be responsible for manufacturing and commercialization, with Intelliject responsible for the on-going development and for obtaining US regulatory approval and has retained certain co-promotion rights in the territory.

Sanofi-Aventis will pay an initial upfront payment of $25 million to Intelliject, which will also be eligible to receive development and commercial milestones of up to $205 million as well as tiered double-digit royalties on sales of any products commercialized under the license.

"This partnership marks a key milestone in our quest to make our novel epinephrine auto-injector available to the millions of patients at risk for anaphylaxis. We expect it to create significant long-term value for the company; it marks the first step on our mission to bring the same innovation and patient-centric solutions to many different therapy areas. Intelliject's unique model - drug development expertise combined with a proprietary, patient-centric delivery platform - has the potential to dramatically redefine the "Standard of Care" in multiple biopharmaceutical categories," said Spencer Williamson, president and chief executive of Intelliject.

"We are pleased to have this opportunity to offer this innovative delivery device for the millions of people who are at risk of this life-threatening allergic reaction each year," stated Brent Ragans, vice president, head of general therapeutics at Sanofi-Aventis US, adding: "This agreement complements our strong presence in the USA as a leader in the allergy arena and is a great example of our company's transformation into a provider of health care solutions.'