Sanofi to acquire Translate Bio

Sanofi has started a definitive deal with Translate Bio to accelerate messenger RNA (mRNA) application to develop vaccines and therapeutics. Sanofi will acquire all remaining shares of Translate Bio for thirty-eight dollars per share in cash.

Sanofi Chief Executive Officer, Paul Hudson, stated: “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. 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 programs already under development. Our goal is to unlock the potential of mRNA in other strategic areas such as immunology, oncology and rare diseases in addition to vaccines.”

Chief Executive Officer of Translate Bio, Ronald Renaud, stated: “Sanofi and Translate Bio have a shared commitment to innovation in the mRNA space. With Sanofi’s long-standing expertise in developing and commercializing vaccines and other innovative medicines on a global scale, Translate Bio’s mRNA technology is now even better positioned to reach more people, faster. The talented and dedicated Translate Bio team has built the foundation of a strong mRNA platform. Our expertise coupled with that of Sanofi has driven significant progress under the collaboration thus far and we believe that this acquisition will strengthen the team’s ability to achieve the full potential of the mRNA technology.”