Sanofi and Orano Med, a subsidiary of the Orano Group, have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of next-generation radioligand therapies (RLTs) for rare cancers. The collaboration will leverage the expertise and pipeline of Orano Med, a pioneer in targeted alpha therapies, to create a new entity focused on the discovery, design, and clinical development of lead-212 based RLTs.
 
Targeted alpha therapy is a promising approach that combines the precision of biological vectors with the potent cell-killing power of alpha-emitting radioisotopes. By targeting cancer cells specifically, this therapy aims to minimize damage to healthy tissues, offering hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
 
The partnership builds on Sanofi’s existing collaboration with Orano Med and RadioMedix to advance RLTs in rare cancers, including the late-stage project AlphaMedix. Sanofi’s investment in the new entity will provide the financial resources and expertise needed to expand Orano Med’s capabilities and accelerate the development of its RLT pipeline.
 
Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, said: “We are excited to partner with Orano in establishing a French pioneer that unites our respective expertise in biopharma and nuclear technology to drive groundbreaking progress in the fight against cancer. As a French biopharmaceutical company, we are deeply committed to fostering and enabling innovation in our home country. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to strengthen our ties within the scientific community, both in France and globally, with the goal of advancing the development of cutting-edge treatments for patients.”
 
Nicolas Maes, CEO of Orano Group, added: “The success of Orano Med is an example of our group’s ability to diversify beyond our core nuclear business. By applying our expertise in nuclear materials to fields like targeted alpha therapies, we are demonstrating that nuclear technology can have a positive societal impact, not just for energy and climate, but also for human health. This innovation reflects Orano’s commitment to exploring new opportunities and taking bold steps to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
 
The collaboration is expected to benefit from Orano Med’s advanced industrial platform, which ensures a reliable and scalable supply of lead-212 based therapies. This platform is essential for the commercialization of RLTs and will enable Orano Med to meet the growing demand for these innovative treatments.
 
Sanofi’s commitment to oncology innovation is evident in its ongoing efforts to develop new therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers. The company is focusing on hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and rare cancers, with a particular emphasis on multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia, lymphomas, gastrointestinal cancers, and lung cancers.
 
The partnership between Sanofi and Orano Med is a significant milestone in the development of targeted alpha therapies. By combining their expertise and resources, the two companies aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients with rare cancers.