Sanofi to acquire Bioverativ for $11.6bn to expand into rare blood disorders

Sanofi has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Bioverativ, a US biotechnology company specializing in the treatment of hemophilia and other rare blood disorders, for approximately $11.6 billion. The all-cash transaction will involve Sanofi purchasing all outstanding shares of Bioverativ at $105 per share, marking a significant expansion of Sanofi’s presence in specialty care and its position in rare diseases.

Strategic Implications of the Acquisition

Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Bioverativ was established in February 2017 following the spin-off of Biogen’s global hemophilia business. The acquisition is poised to create a leading portfolio in the hemophilia market, a sector that continues to grow and evolve with new therapeutic approaches. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the acquisition, highlighting the strategic fit and potential for synergistic growth.

Enhancing Sanofi’s Specialty Care and Rare Disease Leadership

Sanofi’s CEO, Olivier Brandicourt, commented on the acquisition: “With Bioverativ, a leader in the growing hemophilia market, Sanofi enhances its presence in specialty care and leadership in rare diseases, in line with its 2020 Roadmap, and creates a platform for growth in other rare blood disorders.” He emphasized the opportunity to bring innovative medicines to patients worldwide, building on Bioverativ’s success in driving new standards of care with its extended half-life factor replacement therapies.

Bioverativ’s Product Portfolio and Development Pipeline

Bioverativ’s portfolio includes Eloctate [Antihemophilic Factor VIII (Recombinant), Fc Fusion Protein] and Alprolix [Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant), Fc Fusion Protein], both extended half-life therapies for the treatment of hemophilia A and B, respectively. These products are currently marketed in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia, with plans to expand into additional geographies. The company also has a promising pipeline, including a phase 3 candidate for cold agglutinin disease and several early-stage research programs focused on hemophilia and other rare blood disorders like sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia.

Global Impact and Future Prospects

John Cox, CEO of Bioverativ, remarked on the benefits of the acquisition: “Sanofi brings proven capabilities and a global infrastructure, which we believe will help to more rapidly expand access to our medicines globally and further our mission of transforming the lives of people with rare blood disorders.” He highlighted how Bioverativ’s innovative therapies are making a difference in the lives of people with hemophilia and expressed optimism about the enhanced access to these treatments that Sanofi’s global reach could facilitate.

Closing and Future Integration

The transaction is expected to close within three months, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. This acquisition not only reinforces Sanofi’s commitment to innovation in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals but also promises to drive forward the development and distribution of critical treatments for rare and challenging conditions.

This strategic acquisition by Sanofi signifies a robust entry into the hemophilia and rare blood disorder treatment market, setting the stage for increased competition and innovation. It underscores the importance of targeted therapies in the pharmaceutical industry’s move towards more personalized medicine.