Ardelyx Licenses NaP2b Phosphate Inhibitor Program To Sanofi

(RTTNews) - Ardelyx Inc., a venture-funded biopharmaceutical company, said Monday it has licensed to Sanofi (SNY) its novel phosphate transport NaP2b inhibitor program.

Ardelyx said it will receive an undisclosed upfront payment from Sanofi and that total development and regulatory milestones could potentially reach up to $198 million. Ardelyx will also be entitled to royalties on product sales.

In addition, Ardelyx retains an option to participate in co-promotional activities for the US market.

Ardelyx's NaP2b program includes a portfolio of minimally-absorbed NaP2b inhibitors in discovery and preclinical stage of development, and Sanofi will have full responsibility for further discovery efforts and development of any products.

NaP2b is an intestinal phosphate transporter whose activity accounts for a significant portion of dietary phosphate absorption in humans. The inhibition of NaP2b should have utility for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia (elevated serum phosphate) in patients with end stage renal disease and other forms of chronic kidney disease.