Maze Therapeutics CEO, Jason Coloma, expressed personal disappointment after learning that Sanofi terminated their partnership to develop an experimental drug for Pompe disease through a public statement, rather than direct communication. Sanofi cited disagreement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's decision to block the licensing deal but decided against legal action, stating it was not in the best interest of patients.
Sanofi expresses disappointment with the Federal Trade Commission's decision to seek a preliminary injunction against its proposed licensing agreement with Maze Therapeutics for the development of MZE001, a potential treatment for Pompe Disease. Sanofi disagrees with the action, stating that it would delay potential advancements and impact patients' lives. As a result, Sanofi has decided to terminate the agreement with Maze Therapeutics. The company remains committed to addressing the unmet needs of the Pompe patient community.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking to block Sanofi's acquisition of an exclusive license to Maze Therapeutics' therapy for Pompe disease, alleging that the deal would eliminate a potential competitor and protect Sanofi's monopoly in the market. Sanofi currently holds a monopoly on FDA-approved drugs for Pompe disease, charging high prices for treatment. Maze's developmental drug, MZE001, threatens to undermine this monopoly as the first oral medication for Pompe disease patients. The FTC argues that the acquisition would deprive patients of innovative and affordable treatment options, and is seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the acquisition.
Sanofi will pay $150 million upfront and future equity to acquire Maze Therapeutics' Pompe disease program, with the potential for an additional $600 million in biobucks. Astellas Pharma will acquire Iveric Bio for $5.9 billion in cash, while Acelyrin plans to raise $370 million in one of the biggest biotech IPOs in recent years. Ovid Therapeutics is partnering with Graviton Bioscience to develop multiple second-generation ROCK2 inhibitors, and Initial Therapeutics has launched with $75 million to develop protein-based drugs. Meanwhile, AbbVie has discontinued its mid-stage cystic fibrosis program, and an FDA advisory committee has voted against AstraZeneca and Merck's bid to expand the label for Lynparza.
