The development of candidate molecules with the potential to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimers disease, and systemic inflammatory diseases is at the center of the collaboration signed by Sanofi and Denali Therapeutics, the last company due to receive $125 million upfront payment and future milestone payments that could exceed $1 billion.

The two lead molecules (DNL747 and DNL758) target the critical signaling protein RIPK1 in the TNF receptor pathway, which regulates inflammation and cell death.