Sanofi and Translate Bio Partner to Develop Coronavirus Vaccines

Strategic Insights -

Sanofi, a French pharmaceutical company, has signed a deal with U.S. biotech firm Translate Bio to jointly develop several potential coronavirus vaccines. The partnership involves using messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology developed by Translate Bio, which instructs cells to produce a key coronavirus protein, triggering an immune response. Sanofi will pay $425 million upfront for a 7% stake in Translate Bio and could invest up to $1.9 billion more, along with royalties, if Translate Bio meets its goals. The company aims to have the vaccines ready for clinical trials by the end of 2020 and potentially approved for use by the second half of 2021.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sanofi has entered into a partnership with Translate Bio to develop several potential coronavirus vaccines using mRNA technology.
  • The deal is reportedly worth up to $2 billion, with Sanofi paying $425 million upfront for a 7% stake in Translate Bio.
  • Sanofi aims to have the vaccines ready for clinical trials by the end of 2020 and potentially approved for use by the second half of 2021.
  • The partnership is a part of Sanofi's efforts to play "catch-up" to other companies developing vaccines, such as AstraZeneca.
  • Sanofi has also partnered with GlaxoSmithKline Plc to develop another potential coronavirus vaccine, which could be approved for use in early 2021.

Statistics:

  • Sanofi will pay $425 million upfront for a 7% stake in Translate Bio.
  • Sanofi could invest up to $1.9 billion more, along with royalties, if Translate Bio meets its goals.
  • Sanofi aims to produce around 1 billion doses a year of the vaccine, if it gains regulatory approval in early 2021.
  • The mRNA vaccines being developed by Sanofi and Translate Bio would instruct cells to produce a key coronavirus protein, triggering an immune response.

Sources:

  • Reuters: "Sanofi clinches $2 billion vaccines deal with Translate Bio"
  • Reuters: "Sanofi eyes approval of COVID-19 vaccine by first half of 2021"
  • IB Times: "European pharma company speeding efforts to treat COVID-19"
  • GSK Press Release: "Sanofi and GSK to join forces in unprecedented vaccine collaboration to fight COVID-19"