Sanofi has announced a new research collaboration with Boston’s Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), a teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School, focused on immunology of type 1 diabetes. The two organizations will share knowledge and apply their respective expertise in basic and applied research regarding diabetes and drug target and candidate development.

Researchers from both organizations will undertake proof-of-concept, safety and functional studies for a novel immunomodulatory approach to treat type 1 diabetes. Sanofi has an option to exclusively license intellectual property emerging from this collaboration.

"Our engagement in this important research collaboration exemplifies our aim to help identify new treatment options and ultimately bring real benefits to people with type 1 diabetes," said Pierre Chancel, senior vice president, global diabetes, at Sanofi.

"Brigham and Women's Hospital is excited to engage in this important research collaboration," said Barbara Bierer, M.D., senior vice president of research at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed.