Weil is advising global pharmaceutical and healthcare firm Sanofi on its worldwide exclusive licensing agreement with MannKind Corporation to develop and commercialize Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder.

Afrezza is a new rapid-acting inhaled insulin therapy indicated to improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The companies plan to launch Afrezza in the United States in the first quarter of 2015.

Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme.

The Weil team on this transaction includes Technology & IP Transactions partner Jeffrey Osterman, counsel Arlene Hahn, and associates Cassie Waduge and Dennis Adams; Banking & Finance partner Douglas Urquhart, and associates Heather Viets and Alison Carrizales; Antitrust partner John Scribner, and counsels John Sipple and Vadim Brusser; and Litigation partner Yehudah Buchweitz.