Vicebio has agreed to be acquired by Sanofi for a total of $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 vaccines for respiratory viruses utilising its proprietary Molecular Clamp technology, discovered at The University of Queensland.  

The technology stabilises 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.  

In September 2024, Vicebio announced a Series B financing, which enabled the company to accelerate clinical development of VXB-241 and next generation products. 

Vicebio is currently running an exploratory Phase I clinical trial with VXB-241, a bivalent vaccine targeting both RSV and hMPV viruses. Interim analysis showed a favourable safety and tolerability profile in adults aged 60 and above. 

Dr Giovanni Mariggi, Chairman of Vicebio and Partner at Medicxi, said: “Our aim in creating Vicebio was to back a clear product vision to develop a best-in-class vaccine against respiratory viruses. We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished in the last few years thanks to a team effort by the company, University of Queensland, our investors and the Board. We are excited to partner with Sanofi which will further accelerate VXB-241’s development to ensure it ultimately benefits those in need.” 

Dr Emmanuel Hanon, Chief Executive Officer of Vicebio, added: “This acquisition validates our ability to combine innovation and deep scientific expertise towards a common goal of advancing public health prevention, and we’re excited to enter the next chapter to accelerate the global impact of our work.”

Diana Turner, Senior Digital Content Editor, DDW