Sanofi buys Kymab in boost to immunotherapy portfolio

Sanofi will buy British immunotherapy firm Kymab for up to $1.45 billion, as it seeks to expand in the rapidly growing immunotherapy field.

The deal, announced yesterday, is the latest in a host of acquisitions initiated by the French drugmaker and will see Sanofi add the antibody KY1005 to its pipeline.

The antibody therapy is seen as having the potential to treat a number of inflammatory disorders and immune-related diseases.

According to the agreement, Sanofi will make an upfront payment of approximately $1.1 billion and up to $350 million upon the achievement of certain milestones.

The closing of the transaction is subject to the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and other customary closing conditions. Sanofi expects to complete the acquisition in the first half of 2021.

The acquisition also provides Sanofi with access to new antibody technologies and research capabilities.

“The Kymab acquisition adds KY1005 to our dynamic pipeline, a potential first-in-class treatment for a range of immune and inflammatory diseases. The novel mechanism of action may provide treatment for patients with suboptimal responses to available therapies,” said Paul Hudson, Sanofi’s chief executive officer.

“We understand from our ongoing work in debilitating immunological diseases how critical it is to find the right treatment for each patient. We look forward to rapidly developing this investigational medicine,” he added.

“The agreement is a testament to the commitment, drive and expertise of the entire Kymab team and we are pleased to receive this endorsement from Sanofi,” said Simon Sturge, chief executive officer, Kymab.

“With its significant global resources, we believe Sanofi is the perfect partner to progress Kymab’s pipeline of products and the merger will expedite the time it takes for our novel therapies to get to patients,” he added.

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