French pharmaceutical company Sanofi has announced plans to acquire UK-based biotech firm Vicebio in a deal worth up to $1.6 billion (£1.23 billion), strengthening its position in the respiratory vaccine market.
The agreement includes an upfront payment of $1.15 billion (£885 million), with an additional $450 million (£346 million) tied to future development milestones. Completion of the transaction is expected later this year, subject to regulatory approval.
Vicebio is developing a new class of respiratory vaccines using its proprietary Molecular Clamp technology. This platform stabilises viral proteins in their pre-fusion state, a structure believed to elicit a stronger and more protective immune response. The technology is particularly promising for difficult-to-target respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV).
Sanofi said the acquisition supports its long-term strategy of developing combination vaccines that protect against multiple respiratory pathogens. Jean-François Toussaint, Head of Vaccine R&D at Sanofi, described the move as a “strategic investment” that brings next-generation science into the company’s vaccine pipeline.
Originally spun out from the University of Queensland in Australia, Vicebio established its European base in the UK, where it has benefited from a skilled biotech workforce and an active vaccine development ecosystem. The company has attracted international investment and built partnerships across the sector.
The UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) welcomed the acquisition, calling it a sign of international confidence in British innovation. “This deal underlines the strength of the UK’s early-stage science in vaccines,” said Steve Bates, Chief Executive of the BIA.
However, the transaction has also reignited debate around the UK's ability to scale its biotech sector. Some industry voices warn that too many promising UK firms are being acquired by global pharmaceutical players before reaching late-stage development or commercial maturity.
“While this is a vote of confidence in our science, we must ensure the UK has the infrastructure and capital to support companies through growth and beyond,” Bates added.
Sanofi has been actively expanding its vaccine portfolio, with recent investments in mRNA platforms and respiratory virus programmes. The Vicebio acquisition reflects a broader industry trend of consolidation and repositioning in the post-pandemic vaccine market, where demand for RSV and combination immunisations is expected to rise.
It is not yet clear whether Vicebio’s team and operations will remain in the UK following the acquisition. Sanofi has not commented on integration plans but said the existing clinical programmes would continue under its global development infrastructure.
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Reporting from London
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