Sanofi has announced its acquisition of clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Inhibrx in a deal worth approximately $2.2 billion. The acquisition aims to advance the treatment for a rare lung disease known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).
AATD is an inherited rare disease that affects an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people in the US. It is characterized by low levels of AAT protein, which is responsible for protecting the lungs and liver from inflammation. As a result, patients with AATD face an increased risk of developing pulmonary disease, which is characterized by the progressive loss of lung tissue and function.
Sanofi’s interest in Inhibrx lies in its promising drug candidate, INBRX-101. This candidate is a human recombinant protein that works by inhibiting neutrophil elastase, an enzyme responsible for lung tissue damage in AATD patients. According to Sanofi, INBRX-101 holds the potential to normalize serum AAT levels with less frequent dosing, reducing inflammation, and preventing further deterioration of lung function.
The drug candidate has already completed an early-stage study, demonstrating positive results in terms of safety and pharmacokinetics. A phase 2 trial is currently underway to further evaluate its potential in treating AATD.
Sanofi’s head of research and development, Houman Ashrafian, expressed enthusiasm for the addition of INBRX-101 to their rare disease portfolio. He stated that the acquisition aligns with Sanofi’s strategy to focus on differentiated and potential best-in-class products. Ashrafian also emphasized Sanofi’s commitment to addressing the needs of underserved AATD patients and communities.
As part of the agreement, Inhibrx will spin off its non-INBRX-101 assets, including its immuno-oncology pipeline, into a newly formed entity called New Inhibrx. This entity will continue to operate under the Inhibrx name.
Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will acquire all outstanding shares of Inhibrx for $30 per share in cash, totaling approximately $1.7 billion. In addition, Inhibrx’s shareholders will receive one contingent value right equal to $5 and 0.25 shares of New Inhibrx for each Inhibrx share.
This acquisition comes shortly after Sanofi’s multi-year research collaboration with AI specialist Aqemia and its partnership with AI specialist BioMap, both aimed at accelerating drug discovery in various therapeutic areas.
The acquisition of Inhibrx by Sanofi demonstrates the pharmaceutical company’s commitment to advancing rare disease treatments. With the promising INBRX-101 drug candidate in their portfolio, Sanofi aims to provide hope and improved outcomes for patients with AATD.
