Novavax and Sanofi Ink Vaccine Licensing Deal

Vaccine developer Novavax has entered into an agreement with Sanofi that includes: a co-exclusive license to co-commercialize Novavax’s current COVID-19 vaccine worldwide; a sole license to Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in combination with Sanofi’s flu vaccines; and a non-exclusive license to use Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine in combination with non-flu vaccines. Outside of the collaboration, each party may develop and commercialize their own COVID-19-Influenza combination vaccines and adjuvanted products at their own cost.

Under terms of the agreement, Novavax will receive an upfront payment of $500 million and up to $700 million in development, regulatory and launch milestones and is entitled to additional milestone opportunities of up to $200 million, plus royalties for each additional Sanofi vaccine product developed with Novavax’s proprietary adjuvant technology. In addition, Sanofi will take a minority (<5%) equity investment in Novavax.

According to Novavax CEO John Jacobs, “Our new partnership combines Novavax’s proprietary recombinant protein and nanoparticle technologies, [proprietary] adjuvant and R&D expertise with Sanofi’s world-class leadership in launching and commercializing innovative vaccines. Together, we can broaden access to both our COVID-19 vaccine and our adjuvant to ensure more individuals can benefit from the protection vaccines can provide.”

Jacobs went on to say, “Novavax is now in a stronger position to refocus our efforts on leveraging our technology platform and novel adjuvant in R&D and pipeline expansion to help advance our mission of developing life-saving vaccines to fight infectious diseases.”

Novavax offers a differentiated vaccine platform that combines a recombinant protein approach, innovative nanoparticle technology and Novavax’s patented adjuvant to enhance the immune response. The company’s portfolio includes its COVID-19 vaccine and its pipeline includes its COVID-19-Influenza Combination and stand-alone influenza vaccine candidates. In addition, Novavax’s adjuvant is included in the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India’s malaria vaccine. (Source: Novavax Website, 10 May, 2024)