BY Fraser Tennant
As part of its endeavour to accelerate the application of messenger RNA (mRNA) to develop therapeutics and vaccines, French multinational pharmaceutical company Sanofi is to acquire clinical-stage mRNA therapeutics company Translate Bio.
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Sanofi will acquire all outstanding shares of Translate Bio for $38.00 per share in cash, reflecting a total equity value of $3.2bn.
Already partners, in June 2018 Sanofi and Translate Bio entered into a collaboration and exclusive licence agreement to develop mRNA vaccines, which was further expanded in 2020 to broadly address current and future infectious diseases.
Under the collaboration, there are two ongoing mRNA vaccine clinical trials: the COVID-19 vaccine Phase 1/2 study (with results expected in Q3 2021) and the mRNA seasonal influenza vaccine Phase 1 trial (with results due in Q4 2021).
The acquisition of Massachusetts-based Translate Bio will also help fast track Sanofi’s plans for its recently announced mRNA Centre of Excellence.
“Translate Bio adds an mRNA technology platform and strong capabilities to our research, further advancing our ability to explore the promise of this technology to develop both best-in-class vaccines and therapeutics,” said Paul Hudson, chief executive of Sanofi. “A fully owned platform allows us to develop additional opportunities in the fast-evolving mRNA space.
“We will also be able to accelerate our existing partnered programmes already under development,” he continued. “Our goal is to unlock the potential of mRNA in other strategic areas, such as immunology, oncology and rare diseases, in addition to vaccines.”
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Sanofi and Translate Bio boards of directors.
“Sanofi and Translate Bio have a shared commitment to innovation in the mRNA space,” said Ronald Renaud, chief executive of Translate Bio. “With Sanofi’s long-standing expertise in developing and commercialising vaccines and other innovative medicines on a global scale, Translate Bio’s mRNA technology is now even better positioned to reach more people, faster.”
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2021.
Mr Renaud concluded: “Translate Bio’s expertise coupled with that of Sanofi has driven significant progress, and we believe that this acquisition will strengthen our ability to achieve the full potential of mRNA technology.”
News: Sanofi bets on mRNA vaccines beyond COVID in $3.2 bln Translate Bio deal