Sanofi to buy US vaccines biotechnology firm Protein Sciences

The deal will also include an additional payment of up to $100m based on the achievement of certain milestones.  

Founded in 1983 and based in Meriden, Protein Sciences is engaged in the vaccine development and protein production.

The company operates three business lines, including division for development and production of vaccines, division for development and manufacturing of modern vaccines, therapeutics and gene therapies, as well as division for development of antigens and antibodies for disease research.

Protein Sciences secured approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Flublok quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) in October last year.

Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to complete in the third quarter of this year.

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

Protein Sciences president and CEO Manon Cox said: “Protein Sciences was actively looking for an opportunity to grow its business, particularly in the US.

“As part of Sanofi Pasteur, we expect our Flublok influenza vaccine to benefit from Sanofi Pasteur’s expertise in the field of influenza vaccines.”

Sanofi Pasteur manufactures vaccines against seasonal influenza at its four facilities located in Swiftwater of US, Val de Reuil of France, Ocoyoacac of Mexico and Shenzhen of China.

In February this year, Sanofi and Lonza agreed to invest an initial CHF290m (€270m) to construct a mammalian cell culture facility for monoclonal antibody production in Visp, Switzerland.

The companies will establish a joint venture (JV) and each share equally in the initial investment.

Image: Sanofi to acquire US vaccines biotechnology firm Protein Sciences. Photo: courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.