Ablynx acquired by Sanofi for €3.9 billion

Sanofi (Paris, France) have acquired Ablynx (Ghent, Belgium) for approximately €3.9 billion, which was unanimously approved by both the Sanofi and Ablynx Boards of Directors. This acquisition will continue Sanofi’s commitment to innovation focusing on technologies addressing multiple disease targets.

The takeover includes Ablynx’s Nanobody® technology platform with a pipeline of more than 45 proprietary candidates for a wide range of therapeutic areas. Sanofi have also acquired caplacixumab – an anit-vWF Nanobody – for the treatment of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Olivier Brandicourt, Sanofi’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “With Ablynx, we continue to advance the strategic transformation of our research and development, expanding our late-stage pipeline and strengthening our platform for growth in rare blood disorders. This acquisition builds on a successful existing partnership. We are also pleased to reaffirm our commitment to Belgium, where we have invested significantly over the years in our state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility in Geel. We intend to maintain and support the Ablynx science center in Ghent.”

Edwin Moses, Ablynx’s Chief Executive Officer, concluded: “Since our founding in 2001, our team has been focused on unlocking the power of our Nanobody technology for patients. The results of our work are validated by clinical data. As we look ahead, we believe Sanofi’s global infrastructure, commitment to innovation and commercial capabilities will accelerate our ability to deliver our pipeline. Our Board of Directors feels strongly that this transaction represents compelling value for shareholders and maximizes the potential of our pipeline to the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Source: http://mediaroom.sanofi.com/sanofi-to-acquire-ablynx-for-e3-9-billion-%e2%80%8b/