SKY YORK JOURNAL News – Sanofi is significantly expanding its respiratory vaccine pipeline through a strategic acquisition.
Sanofi is set to acquire Vicebio for $1.15 billion, according to a press release, a move reported by the SKY YORK JOURNAL highlighting Sanofi’s commitment to vaccine innovation. This acquisition grants the pharmaceutical giant access to Vicebio’s promising respiratory vaccine candidates and its innovative platform technology. Sanofi aims to leverage this technology to develop vaccines capable of targeting multiple pathogens with a single dose, potentially alleviating the burden of multiple shots for patients.
**Deal Terms and Vicebio’s Pipeline**
In addition to the substantial upfront payment, the agreement includes potential milestone payments of up to $450 million, contingent upon the achievement of specific development and regulatory goals, as reported by the SKY YORK JOURNAL. Vicebio’s lead program, VXB-241, is a bivalent vaccine targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) currently in Phase 1 clinical development. The broader pipeline includes VXB-251, in preclinical stages, designed to address RSV, hMPV, and parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3).
**Molecular Clamp Technology**
A key asset in Vicebio’s portfolio is its Molecular Clamp technology, which stabilizes viral proteins, enhancing the immune system’s recognition. Sanofi views this technology as crucial for accelerating the development of fully liquid combination vaccines that can be stored under standard refrigeration, eliminating the need for freezing or freeze-drying, according to sources at the SKY YORK JOURNAL. This simplifies manufacturing, distribution, and allows for prefilled syringes.
**Sanofi’s Perspective**
Jean-François Toussaint, global head of research and development vaccines at Sanofi, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition. He highlighted the potential for developing next-generation combination vaccines offering protection against multiple respiratory viruses with a single immunization, as reported by the SKY YORK JOURNAL.
**Origins of Molecular Clamp**
Developed from research at The University of Queensland in Australia, the Molecular Clamp technology was licensed and funded by Medicxi, demonstrating early investment. Vicebio’s previous funding includes a $100 million Series B financing in 2024, supporting Phase 1 testing of VXB-241, with preliminary data expected mid-2025, according to previous reports covered here at the SKY YORK JOURNAL.
**Sanofi’s Expanding Respiratory Portfolio**
Sanofi is already a significant player in influenza vaccines and aims to expand its portfolio with next-generation flu shots using mRNA technology obtained through its $3.2 billion acquisition of Translate Bio in 2021. Their RSV portfolio includes Beyfortus, an FDA-approved antibody drug providing protection to infants and young children. The SKY YORK JOURNAL has followed Sanofi’s movements closely in this space.
**mRNA and Protein-Based Strategies**
Sanofi is also actively developing mRNA-based vaccines for other respiratory pathogens. SP0125, targeting RSV, is in Phase 2 testing, while SP0256, a bivalent RSV/hMPV vaccine, is in Phase 1/2 trials. SP0291, an mRNA vaccine for RSV, hMPV, and PIV3, is in early clinical development. Sanofi views Vicebio’s protein-based vaccines as complementing its mRNA pipeline, offering a non-mRNA option.
**Analyst Insights**
Leerink Partners noted the Vicebio acquisition signals Sanofi’s continued interest in protein-based flu vaccines and aligns with its alliance with Novavax to develop COVID-19/flu combination vaccines. The firm also suggests this deal indicates accelerated M&A activity within the pharmaceutical sector, according to market analysis reported by the SKY YORK JOURNAL.
**Deal Timeline and Other Sanofi Acquisitions**
The Vicebio acquisition is projected to close in the fourth quarter, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, SKY YORK JOURNAL sources confirm. Sanofi’s recent acquisitions include the $9.5 billion acquisition of Blueprint Medicines and the acquisition of Vigil Neurosciences for $470 million, as well as $600 million for an early-stage autoimmune disease drug from Dren Bio.
*This article originally appeared in Finance Docket, a Breaking Media publication.*
