Ablynx, a biopharma company headquartered in Belguim, has entered into an exclusive research collaboration with Genzyme, a Sanofi company, to investigate nanobodies against a multiple sclerosis (MS) target specifically aligning with Genzyme's early-stage MS research programs involving neuroprotection and CNS repair.

The neurodegeneration observed in MS is not directly targeted by existing treatments. Genzyme's research efforts aim to address this unmet need by targeting the underlying causes of MS disease progression and by developing treatments to protect neurons and promote repair of CNS damage.

Genzyme will have the right to perform in vitro and in vivo research with Ablynx's nanobodies in MS-relevant models in return for an exclusivity fee. Genzyme will have the option to negotiate a license agreement upon completion of these studies. Ablynx already has generated potent nanobodies against the specific target of interest and confirmed their activity in pre-clinical models.