French pharmaceuticals company Sanofi has agreed to acquire Vicebio, a biotechnology company based in London, UK, for up to $1.6bn.
The deal includes an initial payment of $1.15bn, alongside potential milestone payments up to $450m, contingent on development and regulatory progress.
The acquisition introduces an early-stage vaccine candidate targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), enhancing Sanofi’s vaccine development capabilities through Vicebio’s ‘Molecular Clamp’ technology.
The vaccine candidate strengthens Sanofi’s position in respiratory vaccines, complementing its existing portfolio in flu and RSV prevention.
By adding a non-mRNA vaccine to its pipeline, Sanofi aims to provide more options for physicians and patients in combating RSV and hMPV.
The ‘Molecular Clamp’ technology stabilises viral proteins in their native form, allowing the immune system to recognise and respond more effectively. This technology facilitates the rapid development of fully liquid combination vaccines that can be stored at standard refrigeration temperatures, simplifying manufacturing and distribution.
Fully liquid vaccines can also be provided in prefilled syringes, improving usability, safety, and operational efficiency in healthcare settings.
Sanofi vaccines research and development global head Jean-François Toussaint 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.”
Vicebio’s pipeline includes VXB-241, a bivalent vaccine candidate for RSV and hMPV, currently undergoing an exploratory phase 1 study in older adults, and VXB-251, a preclinical trivalent vaccine candidate targeting RSV, hMPV, and parainfluenza virus Type 3 (PIV3).
Vicebio CEO Emmanuel Hanon said: “We are excited to join Sanofi. Their global scale and deep expertise in vaccine development provide the ideal environment to fully realise the potential of our innovative technology.
“As part of the Sanofi team, we look forward to advancing our platform and pipeline to deliver meaningful benefits for patients and public health.”
The transaction is anticipated to conclude in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
