BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sanofi-aventis U.S. announced today the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement with Intelliject, Inc. for a novel epinephrine auto injector for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in North America (U.S. and Canada).
"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, sanofi-aventis U.S. "This agreement complements our strong presence in the U.S. as a leader in the allergy arena and is a great example of our company's transformation into a provider of healthcare solutions."
Sanofi-aventis will be responsible for manufacturing and commercial activities in North America. Intelliject will be responsible for the on-going development and regulatory submission in the U.S. In addition, Intelliject has retained certain rights to co-promote the product in the U.S.
Under the terms of the agreement, sanofi-aventis U.S. will make an upfront payment and Intelliject will be eligible for future milestone payments and royalties on product sales.
About anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that involves a number of body systems and can be fatal within minutes, either through swelling that shuts off airways or through a significant drop in blood pressure. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates there are up to 2,000 episodes of anaphylaxis per every 100,000 people in the U.S. each year, although the precise incidence of anaphylaxis is unknown and is likely underreported.
Anaphylaxis can occur in people with allergies to certain foods, insect stings, medications, latex or other allergens. All published national anaphylaxis guidelines recommend epinephrine as the treatment in an acute episode. The vast majority of deaths from anaphylaxis occur in individuals who do not receive epinephrine in a timely manner.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis U.S. is an affiliate of sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to help improve the lives of patients. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (Euronext: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY). For more information, www.sanofi-aventis.us or www.sanofi-aventis.com
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans" and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis' management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in sanofi-aventis' annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.
Contact: Susan Brooks, sanofi-aventis U.S., (908) 981-6566, susan.brooks@sanofi-aventis.com
SOURCE: sanofi-aventis
Web site: http://www.sanofi-aventis.us/