Sanofi agrees to buy Austria-based Origimm Biotechnology

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

This deal is part of Sanofi’s strategy to explore growth opportunities and build a vaccines pipeline.

The transaction will add ORI-001 to Sanofi’s early-stage pipeline.

A therapeutic vaccine candidate in acne vulgaris, ORI-001 is based on recombinant proteins and entered preliminary clinical studies in Q3 2021.

Simultaneously, Sanofi is working to develop further antigen versions and expects to tap its next-generation mRNA platform in a Ph1/2 trial that will commence in 2023.

Sanofi Pasteur global head and executive vice president Thomas Triomphe said: “The acquisition of Origimm further broadens our vaccines R&D pipeline with a first vaccine candidate against acne, a high medical need for millions of teenagers and adults. “Welcoming Origimm within Sanofi expands our area of expertise by bringing extensive know-how in the field of skin microbiome and skin immunology. We look forward to unlocking the full potential of this candidate.”

A widespread condition for millions of people globally, acne causes huge psychological burden for teenagers and adults, with more than 10% of them still experiencing acne even after the age 501.

The Cutibacterium acnes bacterium plays a central role in the development of moderate to severe acne. However, there is no satisfactory treatment against acne combining high efficacy and acceptable safety, claimed Sanofi.

Origimm founder & CEO/CSO Sanya Selak said: “We are looking forward to combining our expertise and strengths to continue developing innovative solutions for prevention and treatment of the skin microbiome-associated diseases, such as common acne.

“Together with such a strong partner like Sanofi, we will strive to creating a paradigm shift in treatment of skin diseases and many other microbiome-associated disorders and infections, for which current medical solutions are inadequate.”

The deal is expected to close early this month.