Despite the large difference between upfront sum and total deal value, the research collaboration and global exclusive licensing agreement with Sanofi is Ablynx's second largest regarding upfront payments. On top of the list is the 2013 deal between Ablynx and pharma partner Abbvie with US$175m. But whereas Abbvie had secured access to a defined Phase III-ready Nanobody, the scope of the Sanofi deal is completely different. The collaboration gives Sanofi access to certain – but unspecified – Nanobodies in Ablynx's existing portfolio as well as access to Ablynx's scientists and proprietary Nanobody platform. More specifically, Sanofi gains exclusive global rights to certain multi-specific Nanobodies against selected targets, with options for similar rights to additional targets. Sanofi could receive up to eight potential Nanobody product candidates.