Boehringer, Sanofi partner to produce monoclonal antibodies

The deal is expected to strengthen Sanofi’s manufacturing capacity to support upcoming product launches.

Currently, 72% of Sanofi’s research and development (R&D) projects are in biologics, nearly half of which are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

The deal will see Boehringer’s cell culture operations provide contract manufacturing capacities to support the production of Sanofi’s biologics pipeline.

As part of the agreement, Sanofi will have access to Boehringer’s capabilities to transfer and manufacture therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for global market supply.

According to the companies, the Initial product transfers are expected to start in early 2015.

Sanofi senior vice president Biologics Wolfram Carius said: "Boehringer Ingelheim is a highly capable and experienced partner to complement our continued alliance with Regeneron and the investments we are making in building our own internal capabilities as we prepare for a wave of potential new product launches in the coming years.

"This collaboration reinforces Sanofi’s commitment to our strong biologics pipeline and will enable us to take the necessary steps to provide access to high quality therapeutic monoclonal antibodies to meet the needs of patients."

Boehringer’s Biopharma Contract Manufacturing is represented by its new brand Boehringer Ingelheim BioXcellence, which offers contract development and manufacturing services to the biopharmaceutical industry, providing the entire production technology chain from DNA to fill and finish under one brand at its facilities in Biberach, Vienna, Fremont and Shanghai.