Sanofi-Aventis is reported to have undergone two new cancer research deals. One of the cancer research tie-ups with Avila Therapeutics will aim to develop covalent drugs.

It is claimed that Sanofi will conglomerate with Avila to develop covalent drugs related to six signaling proteins that play a vital role in developing tumor cells. Covalent drugs are thought to have prolonged duration, posing an effective way against disease mutations.

“Avila Therapeutics’ expertise in designing targeted covalent drugs offers a new way to solve difficult pharmacological challenges in oncology and to address important cancer targets”, Sanofi’s head of oncology Debasish Roychowdhury outlined. “We believe that Avila’s approach adds to our growing portfolio of research capabilities that will provide medicines which substantially improve patient outcomes”.

Besides, the company will pay the US, Massachusetts-based biotech a sum of over $40 million in upfront and research support payments.

Sanofi will work with Avila to design covalent drugs targeting six signaling proteins that are critical in tumor cells, and will pay the US, Massachusetts-based biotech up to $40 million in upfront and research support payments.

The conglomerates are reported to initiate with multi-phase oncology clinical and translational research with INDOX.