Sanofi has agreed to pay approximately $3.2 billion for Translate Bio, which is developing inhaled mRNA therapies for cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension in addition to a number of intramuscular mRNA vaccines, including vaccines against COVID-19 and influenza. Sanofi is currently partnered with Translate on the intramuscular vaccines.
Translate’s lead product, MRT5005, is a nebulized mRNA in Phase 1/2 development for the treatment of CF, no matter what mutation is involved, and has both orphan drug and Fast Track designations. Translate Bio (then RaNa Therapeutics) acquired MRT5005 from Shire in 2017. In 2014, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provided Shire a grant worth up to $15 million for development of the mRNA therapy.
Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson commented, “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.”
Translate Bio CEO Ronald Renaud said, “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.”
Read the Sanofi and Translate Bio press release.
