Oncology R&D

Breaking New Ground in Oncology

Sanofi's approach to targeting cancer

Sanofi is investing in the next generation of cancer medicines. With clear focus, deep internal expertise, and industry-leading partners, its scientists are designing new and potentially life-transforming medicines for cancer patients worldwide. Find out more from R&D leaders John Reed and Frank Nestle, as they answer questions about some of the new Sanofi technologies empowering its molecular oncology, immuno-oncology, and genomic medicine platforms with the aim of tackling some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers.

Oncology pipeline

Sanofi's strategy includes a focus on four disease areas: multiple myeloma and other blood cancers, skin cancers, lung cancers, and breast cancer and other hormone-positive cancers.

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Major R&D technology platforms, from multispecifics to nanobodies

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Oncology drugs in clinical development

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New molecular entities in oncology with first-in-class potential

Today, Sanofi has 10 drugs in clinical development and 4 additional new molecular entities in oncology with first-in-class or best-in-class potential, poised to enter clinical development in the next two to three years. We are committed to translating scientific discoveries into potential new treatments and addressing critical gaps in care across a variety of cancers.

Naomi Sakurai, Chairman and CEO of Cancer Solutions K.K., shares her experience as a patient advocate and breast cancer survivor

Molecular oncology and immuno-oncology

Sanofi's molecular oncology teams are investigating potential therapeutics that aim to suppress hormone-driven cancers, and antibody-drug conjugates that harness antibodies to deliver anticancer payloads to tumors, minimizing collateral damage to normal tissues.

The body’s immune system is the first line of defense against cancer, but tumors are often highly effective at evading detection. Sanofi's immuno-oncology teams are addressing resistance to immunotherapy, finding new ways to bolster the immune system to detect and attack tumors.

Because tumors often mutate, simultaneous treatment with multiple therapeutics is one promising approach. Sanofi scientists are testing diverse drug combinations to invent differentiated molecules that tackle targets in immuno-oncology and molecular oncology.

Illustration of natural killer (immune) cells checking for cells that don’t belongIllustration of natural killer (immune) cells checking for cells that don’t belong

Technologies

By rapidly advancing novel biologic platforms–including antibody-drug conjugates, fusion proteins, multi-specific antibodies, nanobody technology, and Synthorins®–Sanofi is laying the foundations for next-generation therapeutics with the potential to conquer some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers.

These technologies form a unique toolkit that enables the oncology R&D teams to develop novel small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies that can one day offer new options for patients.

Partnerships

To further our bold vision of generating multiple candidates every year, Sanofi is leveraging a rapidly growing set of technologies that further strengthen its R&D pipeline while collaborating with innovative partners to break new ground in oncology.

With many investigational compounds currently in clinical trials, we remain focused on advancing scientific discoveries that may improve the lives of people around the world living with cancer.

polyDNA - © GettyImagespolyDNA - © GettyImages

Technology Spotlight: Synthetic Biology

Sanofi oncology researchers are using synthetic biology to design new medicines. This approach could also help improve existing therapeutics.

Sanofi's multi-front attack on cancer: Q&A with John Reed and Frank Nestle

MAT-GLB-2002356 v. 3.0 | May 2021

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