Sanofi adds recombinant-based flu vaccine to portfolio through acquisition

Sanofi has revealed it will acquire Protein Sciences, a privately held vaccines biotechnology company based in Meriden, Connecticut, which will add the only recombinant-based flu vaccine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to its portfolio.

The FDA approved Protein Sciences recombinant-protein based flu vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) back in October last year. “Protein Sciences was actively looking for an opportunity to grow its business, particularly in the US,” said Manon M.J. Cox, president and chief executive officer, Protein Sciences. “As part of Sanofi Pasteur, we expect our Flublok influenza vaccine to benefit from Sanofi Pasteur's expertise in the field of influenza vaccines.”

“The acquisition of Protein Sciences will allow us to broaden our flu portfolio with the addition of a non-egg based vaccine,” said David Loew, Sanofi executive vice president and head of Sanofi Pasteur, Sanofi's vaccines division.

Under the terms of the agreement, an upfront payment of $650 million will be made by Sanofi, with additional payments totalling up to $100 million being made upon achievement of certain milestones. This acquisition was unanimously approved by Protein Sciences’ board of directors and a majority of shareholders. It is anticipated to close in the third quarter of the year, subject to regulatory approvals.