BY Fraser Tennant
In a deal that expands its portfolio in rare immunological disease and adds to its early-stage pipeline in immunology, French multinational drugmaker Sanofi is to acquire US-based, publicly traded biopharmaceutical company Blueprint Medicines.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Sanofi will pay $129 per share in cash at closing, representing an equity value of approximately $9.1bn. Sanofi plans to finance the transaction with a combination of cash on hand and proceeds from new debt.
In addition, Blueprint’s shareholders will receive one non-tradeable contingent value right (CVR) per Blueprint share with two potential milestone payments. In addition, Blueprint’s shareholders will receive one non-tradeable CVR per Blueprint share with two potential milestone payments for future development and regulatory milestones for Blueprint medicine BLU-808.
“The acquisition of Blueprint Medicines enhances our pipeline and accelerates our transformation into the world’s leading immunology company,” said Paul Hudson, chief executive of Sanofi. “This acquisition is fully aligned with our strategic intent to strengthen our existing therapeutic areas, to bring relevant and differentiated medicines to patients and to secure attractive returns to our shareholders.”
The acquisition also includes a rare immunology disease medicine, Ayvakit, approved in the US and the European Union, and a promising advanced and early-stage immunology pipeline. Ayvakit is the only approved medicine for advanced and indolent systemic mastocytosis – a rare immunology disease characterised by the accumulation and activation of aberrant mast cells in bone marrow, skin, the gastrointestinal tract and other organs.
“Since our founding, Blueprint Medicines has worked at the intersection of scientific innovation and operational excellence,” said Kate Haviland, chief executive of Blueprint Medicines. “We have translated our unique scientific understanding of mast cell biology into a portfolio of important therapies including Ayvakit – the first and only medicine approved to treat the root cause of systemic mastocytosis.”
Blueprint’s established presence among allergists, dermatologists and immunologists is expected to enhance Sanofi’s growing immunology pipeline.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.
“We are excited to welcome Blueprint’s talented people and we look forward to chasing the miracles of science together,” concluded Mt Hudson. “This acquisition makes sense for science, for both companies, for healthcare professionals and – most of all – for patients.”
News: Sanofi to buy US biopharma group Blueprint for up to $9.5 billion