Sanofi Expands UK presence with Vicebio acquisition
- Ben Jones
- Aug 16
- 1 min read
French pharmaceutical giant secures London-based vaccine developer for over €1 billion
French pharmaceutical company Sanofi announced the acquisition of London-based Vicebio for more than €1 billion, marking a significant expansion of the company’s respiratory virus vaccine portfolio and adding crucial non-mRNA vaccine capabilities to its pipeline.
The deal represents Sanofi’s strategic push to strengthen its vaccine business amid heightened global focus on respiratory illness prevention following the pandemic. Vicebio, founded in London, has developed innovative approaches to vaccine development that complement Sanofi’s existing capabilities in the sector.
The acquisition comes as pharmaceutical companies increasingly target UK biotech firms for their advanced research capabilities and regulatory expertise. The transaction underscores London’s continued attraction as a hub for life sciences innovation despite ongoing concerns about the UK’s competitiveness in attracting international investment.
Sanofi’s decision to acquire Vicebio reflects the growing importance of respiratory virus vaccines in the global healthcare market, with companies seeking to diversify their vaccine platforms beyond COVID-19 technologies. The non-mRNA vaccine approach developed by Vicebio offers potential advantages in terms of storage, distribution, and manufacturing scalability.
The deal is expected to support employment in London’s biotech sector while providing Vicebio with the resources needed to advance its vaccine candidates through clinical development and regulatory approval. Industry analysts view the acquisition as validation of the UK’s continued strength in pharmaceutical research and development.
For Sanofi, the acquisition strengthens its position in the competitive vaccine market as healthcare systems globally prepare for potential future respiratory virus threats. The company has indicated plans to integrate Vicebio’s technology platforms with its existing vaccine development capabilities to accelerate product development timelines.
