French pharma giant swoops on British vaccine champion in $1.6bn deal
The deal sees Sanofi take control of Vicebio's early-stage combination vaccine candidate for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV).
London-based Vicebio says it is 'redefining how the world combats respiratory diseases', with its 'Molecular Clamp' tech enabling the development of next-generation vaccines that offer 'broad protection, ready-to-use formulations, and high manufacturability'.
Vicebio's vaccine candidate complements Sanofi's existing range, and allows it to offer a wider range to doctors and patients.
The French group said on Tuesday it would pay an initial $1.15billion for the London-based respiratory diseases specialist, with a further $450million in milestone payments to be paid based on development and regulatory progress.
Sanofi will also gain Vicebio's molecular clamp tech, which is used to help an immune system to recognise and respond to viral proteins more quickly.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Sanofi says it won't have a significant impact on its 2025 financial guidance.
Jean-François Toussaint, global head of research and development vaccines at Sanofi, said: 'Vicebio's Molecular Clamp technology introduces a purposefully simple but thoughtful approach to further improve vaccine designs at a time when respiratory viral infections continue to impact millions globally.
'This acquisition furthers Sanofi's dedication to vaccine innovation with the potential to develop next-generation combination vaccines that could provide protection to older adults against multiple respiratory viruses with a single immunisation.'
The acquisition follows a number of recent purchases by Sanofi, following Vigil Neuroscience in May and the DR-0201 cell engager from Dren Bio in March.
rMost recently, Sanofi completed its acquisition of Blueprint Medicines last month.
Emmanuel Heron, chief executive of Vicebio, said: 'Their global scale and deep expertise in vaccine development provide the ideal environment to fully realize the potential of our innovative technology.
'We look forward to advancing our platform and pipeline to deliver meaningful benefits for patients and public health.'
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