Vasculotide is a synthetic peptide-based growth factor that targets Tie-2.

Sanofi-aventis and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre entered into a research agreement and licensing option for vasculotide, an investigational compound to treat chronic wounds. This includes neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers caused by a lack of sensation and neuropathic ulcers that are complicated by peripheral arterial disease, commonly called neuroischemic diabetic foot ulcers.

Vasculotide is a synthetic peptide-based growth factor that targets Tie-2, a receptor on specialized cells of the hematopoietic and vascular systems. Vasculotide may provide a shortcut to the series of molecular activities involved in blood vessel growth that ultimately lead to wound closure, which may improve healing in patients, notes sanofi-aventis.

Under the terms of the agreement, sanofi-aventis has an exclusive, worldwide option to develop and commercialize vasculotide, with predetermined up-front, milestone, and royalty payments to Sunnybrook.

“Our new relationship with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre fits our strategy of fostering scientific exchange through external collaborations and will help us develop solutions for patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers,” says Ray Jupp, vp of sanofi-aventis’ therapeutic strategy unit, fibrosis and wound repair.

The fibrosis and wound repair segment is one of five therapeutic strategy units created as part of sanofi-aventis’ new R&D model. Three units cover major pathophysiology areas: immuno-inflammatory disorders, infectious diseases, and fibrosis and wound repair. The remaining two incorporate work in the physiology of aging and the high-potential geographic segment of Asia-Pacific.

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