X-Chem Collaborates with Sanofi on the Discovery of Lead Molecules against Multiple Challenging Targets

• Sanofi Pasteur Inc.

X-Chem, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company applying its cutting-edge lead discovery capabilities to the generation of novel small molecule therapeutics, announced a multi-target collaboration with Sanofi. The collaboration is focused on the potential development of several programs for treatments in therapeutic areas such as oncology, rare diseases, and diabetes, among others.

Under the terms of the agreement, X-Chem is applying its discovery engine, which leverages a high diversity, proprietary DNA-encoded small molecule library to seek the identification of novel leads for the Sanofi programs. Sanofi has an exclusive option to license any compounds generated in the course of the collaboration. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“X-Chem has specifically built its library and discovery platform to address the challenges of a broad range of targets and enable the discovery of multiple chemical series directly out of our primary screens,” said Rick Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of X-Chem. “We are delighted to partner with Sanofi to identify lead molecules for difficult, high value therapeutic targets”