Sanofi (SNY.US) invests $2.2 billion to acquire Danavir Pharmaceuticals (DVAX.US) to expand vaccine business

The Zhitong Finance App learned that Sanofi (SNY.US) agreed to acquire Denaville Pharmaceuticals at a price of about 2.2 billion US dollars, with the aim of expanding its current vaccine product line centered on the influenza vaccine business.

According to a statement issued by Sanofi on Wednesday, it will acquire Denaville Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Emeryville, California, at a cash price of $15.50 per share. The offer is a 39% premium over Dardnavi Pharmaceuticals' closing price on Tuesday.

Through this acquisition, the French pharmaceutical giant will receive a hepatitis B vaccine that has already been marketed in the US, as well as an experimental shingles vaccine that is currently undergoing early human trials. Sanofi said the move will strengthen its market layout in the field of adult vaccination. Currently, Sanofi's vaccine product portfolio covers various indications such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, meningitis, and whooping cough.

Sanofi stressed that the acquisition is not expected to have any impact on the company's 2025 financial guidance, and the acquisition is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

Notably, a few minutes before announcing this acquisition, Sanofi had just revealed that its development of the multiple sclerosis drug tolebrutinib was approved and rejected by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Drug approval has been thwarted

Just a few days ago, Sanofi said that the approval process for the drug is likely to be delayed, and regulators are expected to give further guidance in early 2026.

Houman Ashrafian, head of R&D at Sanofi, said in a statement: “The company is deeply disappointed with the FDA's decision.”

He further stated, “Compared with the agency's previous feedback to Sanofi, the FDA's ruling represents a significant and substantial shift in direction.” Ashrafian also added that Sanofi will continue to communicate with the FDA to explore possible future promotion paths for this drug.