Deal gives Mannkind access to global manufacturing and distribution for recently-approved Afrezza

Pharma major Sanofi has struck a licensing deal with US firm Mannkind to develop and commercialise Mannkind’s recently-approved Afrezza inhaled insulin powder for global distribution.

Sanofi will pay $150 million (£89 million) up front, plus up to $775 million in performance milestones. Mannkind will continue to manufacture the product, but Sanofi will cover regulatory and development activities, including expanding manufacturing capacity.