Sanofi launches new start-up firm Warp Drive Bio

Sanofi has announced the launch of a new start-up biotechnology company, in association with venture capital firms Third Rock Ventures and Greylock Partners.

The new Warp Drive Bio firm will be focusing its research on proprietary genomic technology to discover drugs of natural origin, with $125 million (81.5 million pounds) to be invested in programmes over the first five years.

Led by prominent scientist Dr Gregory Verdine, the organisation is utilising an array of technologies to create a platform for identifying potential drug candidates using microbiology, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics and chemo-informatics.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Sanofi will provide Warp Drive Bio with access to its strains library and expertise, in return for rights to the start-up firm's technology and products.

Elias Zerhouni, president of global research and development at Sanofi, said: "We are very excited about this investment and collaborative partnership in a start-up biotechnology company based on outstanding science."

Last month, the firm completed the sale of its former dermatology business unit Dermik to Valeant Pharmaceuticals, allowing it to increase its focus on core operations.