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Sanofi is putting $30M behind GluBio Therapeutics to advance two oral molecular glue degraders—GLB-005 and GLB-007—toward Phase I in sickle cell disease, targeting fetal hemoglobin (HbF) repression via WIZ (and ZBTB7A for GLB-007). The deal includes a strategic equity investment plus an exclusive right of first negotiation on both lead programs.
Why It Matters To Oncology
Molecular glue degraders are a fast-moving drug-discovery modality in cancer, and GluBio’s approach applies targeted protein degradation to transcriptional control—mechanistically adjacent to oncology efforts to drug “undruggable” regulators.
The same platform and chemistry learnings that enable selective degradation (here, HbF repressors) can be repurposed toward oncology targets where degradation offers advantages over inhibition (e.g., overcoming scaffolding functions or non-enzymatic roles).
Context: Galecto is also funding oncology R&D, including GB1211 in NSCLC and other solid tumors—underscoring continued investor appetite for differentiated mechanisms despite a tougher financing backdrop.
The Financials
Sanofi: $30M strategic equity investment in GluBio.
Sanofi receives an exclusive right of first negotiation for GLB-005 and GLB-007.
Separate market signal: Galecto raised $275M in a follow-on (14.5M shares at $19); shares fell ~7% the next day.
What They're Saying
GluBio’s thesis: selectively degrading HbF repressors (WIZ; WIZ + ZBTB7A) could increase HbF expression with oral agents—positioning the programs as potentially disease-modifying in SCD.
Sanofi’s structure (equity + negotiation rights) signals interest in keeping a close option on early molecular-glue assets without an immediate full acquisition.
In parallel pharma news: Chinese authorities have charged ex-AstraZeneca China president Leon Wang, with allegations tied in part to unauthorized import and sale of Imjudo (tremelimumab), per the Financial Times.
What's Next
GluBio: advance GLB-005 and GLB-007 toward Phase I start in sickle cell disease (timing described as this year in the report).
Watch for: IND-enabling package details, early safety/tolerability signals, and pharmacodynamic readouts consistent with HbF induction.
Oncology spillover: whether GluBio (or partners) discloses additional degrader programs more directly aimed at cancer indications.
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