Vicebio, a biopharmaceutical company developing novel vaccines against respiratory viral infections, has agreed to be acquired by Sanofi in a deal valued at up to $1.6 billion, including an upfront payment of $1.15 billion as well as development and regulatory milestones payments of $450 million.
Vicebio was created by Medicxi to develop next-generation vaccines for respiratory viruses using its proprietary Molecular Clamp technology. This technology uniquely stabilizes viral glycoproteins to elicit strong protective immune responses and enables high-yield production for ready-to-use liquid multivalent formulations. The Molecular Clamp technology is applicable to a wide range of viruses including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), Parainfluenza viruses, Influenza and Coronaviruses.
Vicebio is currently running an exploratory Phase 1 clinical trial with lead asset VXB-241, a bivalent vaccine targeting both RSV and hMPV viruses, pathogens that are a significant burden in the elderly and those with a weakened immune system. Interim analysis of the exploratory Phase 1 study showed a favorable safety and tolerability profile in adults aged 60 and above.
