Immune Design has entered into an early-stage research collaboration with Sanofi-Aventis to investigate the use of IDC's Glucopyranosyl Lipid Adjuvant (GLA) technology, a toll–like receptor 4 (TLR-4) agonist, in the field of allergy.

"We are excited to form this relationship with Sanofi," noted IDC CEO Carlos Paya, MD, Ph.D.  "The application of next-generation TLR-4 agonists able to shape the immune response in allergic disease has enormous therapeutic potential.  Our initial collaboration has the strong possibility to lead to a broader development focused partnership with Sanofi in the near future."

Under the agreement, IDC will provide access to the GLA technology, allowing Sanofi the ability to evaluate the biological and immunological properties of this TLR-4 agonist in vitro and in allergy disease models, and will be granted an option to select lead candidates for further development. The terms have not been disclosed.