Sanofi acquires British biotech firm Vicebio for up to $1.6 billion.
Sanofi, the French pharmaceutical giant, has announced its acquisition of Vicebio, a UK-based biotech company, for up to $1.6 billion. The deal, worth an initial $1.15 billion in upfront payments, includes potential additional milestone payments of up to $450 million tied to development and regulatory milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
The acquisition strengthens Sanofi's vaccine portfolio by adding Vicebio’s proprietary Molecular Clamp technology. This groundbreaking technology stabilises viral proteins in their native shape, enhancing immune recognition and response, and supporting the development of next-generation, fully liquid, combination vaccines that can be refrigerated at standard temperatures (2–8°C). This improvement in ease of use and distribution logistics is a significant advantage for global vaccination programmes.
The lead asset from Vicebio, VXB-241, is a bivalent vaccine targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Currently in exploratory Phase 1 clinical trials, VXB-241 complements Sanofi’s existing respiratory vaccine offerings by providing a non-mRNA vaccine alternative and broadening its portfolio against respiratory viruses.
This strategic move diversifies Sanofi’s respiratory vaccines with a new platform and non-mRNA option, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and broadening its capabilities in the vaccine sector. The acquisition is part of Sanofi’s broader push to strengthen its vaccine division and respiratory virus portfolio without major impact on 2025 financial guidance.
Vicebio shareholders will receive an upfront payment of $1.15 billion upon the deal's closure. The deal between Sanofi and Vicebio has been signed by both parties, but it is still pending approval from relevant authorities.
This acquisition is a significant step for Sanofi, expanding its vaccine portfolio, and reinforcing its position as a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry. The integration of Vicebio's technology and pipeline assets is expected to drive future innovation and provide promising solutions for global health challenges.
- Sanofi's foray into investing in Vicebio, a UK-based biotech company, enhances the company's science sector, as Vicebio's proprietary Molecular Clamp technology promises advancements in health-and-wellness, particularly in vaccine development.
- Recognizing the importance of diversification in the finance sector, Sanofi's acquisition of Vicebio not only strengthens its business operations but also introduces a new platform and non-mRNA option in the respiratory vaccines category, furthering its role as a key player in the health-and-wellness industry.
- The strategic move to acquire Vicebio not only solidifies Sanofi's position in the pharmaceutical industry but also opens opportunities for future innovation in the science and health-and-wellness sectors, positioning the company as a key player in addressing global health challenges.
