Sanofi to acquire UK biotech Vicebio to bolster respiratory vaccine pipeline

Sanofi is set to acquire London‑based biotech company Vicebio in a deal valued at USD 1.15 billion, with additional milestone payments up to USD 450 million pending R&D progress. The acquisition, expected to close in Q4 2025, adds Vicebio’s non‑mRNA vaccine candidates targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) to Sanofi’s portfolio. Integral to the agreement is access to Vicebio’s innovative “Molecular Clamp” technology. This platform stabilises viral proteins in their prefusion state, allowing the creation of fully liquid combination vaccines that are easier to store, distribute and administer in standard refrigerated conditions. The acquisition aligns with Sanofi’s ongoing push into respiratory vaccines—complementing its existing flu and RSV programmes—while maintaining its annual financial guidance unchanged. It follows Sanofi’s recent USD 9.5 billion acquisition of Blueprint Medicines and positions the company to advance next‑generation vaccines against multiple respiratory pathogens.