Sanofi and Novavax enter into a co-exclusive licensing agreement for the co-commercialization of a COVID-19 vaccine and the development of combined influenza – COVID-19 vaccines
The agreement, which will combine the commercial strength of the two companies, will allow patients to benefit from better access to an adjuvanted, protein-based, non-mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 from 2025
Accelerating the development potential of a new combined product against influenza and COVID-19 based on vaccines that have demonstrated their effectiveness and tolerability, for potential better patient protection and greater comfort
Paris, France and Gaithersburg, MD, United States. May 10, 2024.
As part of Sanofi’s ambition to develop a diverse portfolio of best-in-class vaccines, the company announces a co-exclusive licensing agreement with Novavax, a Maryland-based biotechnology company, UNITED STATES.
The terms of the agreement include: a co-exclusive license to co-commercialize a single adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine from Novavax globally (excluding countries with existing licensing agreements). advance purchase and India, Japan and South Korea, where Novavax has partnership agreements); an exclusive license for Novavax’s adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine for use in combination with Sanofi’s influenza vaccines; and a non-exclusive license to use Matrix-MÔ adjuvant in vaccine products. Sanofi will also take a minority stake (<5%) in Novavax.
Jean-François Toussaint
Global Head, Vaccines R&D
“Levels of hospitalizations for influenza and COVID-19 are now closely linked. We now have the opportunity to develop combined, non-mRNA vaccines against these two infections, for greater comfort for patients and enhanced protection against these two serious respiratory viruses. We are excited to combine Novavax’s adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine – which has demonstrated high efficacy and a favorable tolerability profile – with our rich portfolio of differentiated influenza vaccines, which have demonstrated superior protection against the flu and its serious complications. Better tolerability and greater thermostability, without compromising effectiveness, are precisely what regulatory authorities, authorities responsible for vaccination recommendations and patients will demand. »
John Jacobs
Managing Director, Novavax
“This collaboration is important for Novavax and for global public health. Our new partnership combines Sanofi’s global leadership in launching and commercializing innovative vaccines, Novavax’s proprietary technologies in recombinant proteins and nanoparticles, its Matrix™ adjuvant and its R&D expertise. Together, we can expand access to our COVID-19 vaccine and adjuvant so that more people can benefit from the protection these vaccines provide. Novavax can now refocus its efforts on leveraging its technology platform and new adjuvant in R&D, as well as expanding its development portfolio, to help achieve its mission of developing vaccines vital in the fight against infectious diseases.
The terms of the license agreement:
Novavax will receive an upfront payment of $500 million and up to $700 million based on the achievement of various development, regulatory and commercialization milestones, for a total of $1.2 billion.
From 2025, Sanofi will record sales of Novavax’s adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine and cover certain R&D, regulatory and marketing expenses.
Novavax will receive double-digit tiered royalties on sales of COVID-19 vaccines and combined influenza/COVID-19 vaccines made by Sanofi.
Sanofi will be solely responsible for the development and commercialization of any new combined influenza-COVID-19 vaccine developed with a Sanofi influenza vaccine.
Outside of this collaboration, each party will be able to develop and market, at its own expense, its own vaccines against influenza and COVID-19, as well as its own adjuvanted products.
Novavax is entitled to additional payments upon completion of launch and additional milestones of up to $200 million, as well as single-digit royalties for each additional Sanofi vaccine developed under non-exclusive license with Novavax’s technology. Novavax Matrix-M adjuvant.
Sanofi will also take a minority stake (<5%) in Novavax.
About Novavax
Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) works to improve health by developing, developing and commercializing innovative vaccines that help protect against serious infectious diseases. A global company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland (USA), Novavax has a diversified vaccine platform that combines recombinant protein production, nanotechnology and Matrix-M adjuvant (patented by the company) to improve response immune. The Company’s portfolio includes its COVID-19 vaccine and has CIC and standalone influenza vaccine candidates in its development portfolio. Additionally, Novavax’s adjuvant is part of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine from the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India. For more information: novavax.com and LinkedIn.
About Sanofi
We are an innovative, global health company driven by a purpose: pursuing the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. Across the world, our teams are working to transform the practice of medicine to make the impossible possible. We provide therapeutic solutions that can change patients’ lives and vaccines that protect millions of people around the world, guided by the ambition of sustainable development and our social responsibility.
Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY
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Forward-looking statements
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