Sanofi galvanizes strategic product pipeline with Principia Biopharma acquisition

The transaction will enable Sanofi to expand and accelerate development of BTK inhibitors across multiple indications, including MS and other central nervous system diseases.

The acquisition advances Sanofi's ongoing R&D transformation to accelerate development of the most promising medicines that will address significant patient needs.

Paul Hudson, Sanofi CEO, said: “The addition of multiple Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors to our pipeline demonstrates our commitment to strategic product acquisitions in our priority therapeutic areas. Full ownership of our brain-penetrant BTK inhibitor SAR442168 removes complexities for this priority development program and simplifies future commercialization.”

The Phase IIb data in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) showed the strong potential of SAR442168 to address disability and disease progression, and triggered the start of Phase III studies across the full spectrum of MS.

Through this acquisition, Sanofi will be able to expand and accelerate development of BTK inhibitors across multiple indications.

"By combining with Sanofi, we will bring significant resources to expand and accelerate the potential benefits of these therapies. The benefit of developing several BTK inhibitors will allow us to target specific organ systems for optimal patient benefit,” said Martin Babler, President and CEO at Principia Biopharma.

In 2017, Sanofi formed a collaboration with Principia under which Principia granted Sanofi an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and commercialize BTK inhibitor SAR442168 in MS and other central nervous system diseases.