Press Release: Sanofi to acquire Vigil Neuroscience, Inc., adding a new investigational medicine to treat Alzheimer’s disease to the neurology pipeline

Core Viewpoint - Sanofi has announced the acquisition of Vigil Neuroscience, Inc., enhancing its neurology pipeline with a focus on developing treatments for Alzheimer's disease, specifically through the investigational drug VG-3927 [1][5]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Sanofi will acquire all outstanding common shares of Vigil for $8 per share, totaling an equity value of approximately$470 million on a fully diluted basis [8]. - Vigil's shareholders will also receive a contingent value right (CVR) entitling them to a deferred cash payment of $2 upon the first commercial sale of VG-3927 [8]. - The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2025, subject to customary conditions including shareholder approval and regulatory clearances [9]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - This acquisition aligns with Sanofi's strategic focus on neurology and aims to address critical unmet needs in Alzheimer's treatment, where current therapies do not halt or reverse disease progression [4][2]. - The acquisition follows a$40 million strategic investment made by Sanofi in Vigil in June 2024, which included rights to negotiate for VG-3927 [5]. Group 3: Scientific Rationale - VG-3927 is an oral small molecule TREM2 agonist, which is expected to enhance the neuroprotective function of microglia in Alzheimer's disease [1]. - Activation of TREM2 is believed to improve microglial response to injury, potentially preventing neural degeneration associated with neurodegenerative diseases [3].