Sanofi Invests EUR2 Billion in mRNA Vaccine Technology to Catch Up in Covid Jab Market

Strategic Insights -

Sanofi, a French pharmaceutical giant, has announced a significant investment of EUR2 billion in the mRNA vaccine technology behind pioneering Covid-19 jabs developed by rivals BioNTech, Pfizer, and Moderna. This investment aims to develop at least six vaccine candidates using messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and establish an mRNA "centre of excellence" in the US city of Cambridge and Marcy-L'Etoile near the French city of Lyon. The investment is part of Sanofi's efforts to catch up in the colossal market for Covid jabs, where it initially went the traditional route.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sanofi will invest EUR2 billion in mRNA vaccine technology to develop at least six vaccine candidates.
  • The investment will be split into EUR400 million per year for five years to 2025.
  • Sanofi will establish an mRNA "centre of excellence" employing 400 people at its laboratories in Cambridge and Marcy-L'Etoile.
  • The company's mRNA-based vaccines will target a broader set of infectious diseases and will be suitable for use across all ages.
  • Sanofi has already partnered with GlaxoSmithKline to develop a Covid vaccine and has also begun human trials of an anti-flu jab using mRNA technology.
  • The Sanofi-GSK vaccine combines an antigen with adjuvant technology to stimulate the production of germ-killing antibodies.

Statistics:

  • EUR2 billion: Sanofi's investment in mRNA vaccine technology.
  • EUR400 million: Annual investment in mRNA vaccine development.
  • 2025: Year by which Sanofi aims to have developed at least six mRNA-based vaccine candidates.
  • 400: Number of people to be employed at Sanofi's mRNA "centre of excellence".
  • 5 years: Period of investment in mRNA vaccine technology (2021-2025 inclusive).

Sources:

  • Alliance News
  • AFP
  • Association for the French Pharmaceutical Industry (Sanofi)
  • European Medicines Agency
  • World Health Organization (WHO)