Core Viewpoint - Sanofi has announced the acquisition of Vicebio Ltd, enhancing its respiratory vaccines pipeline with a focus on developing combination vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) [1][2][5] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves an upfront payment of $1.15 billion, with potential milestone payments of up to $450 million based on development and regulatory achievements [5] - The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approvals [5] Group 2: Technology and Product Pipeline - Vicebio's 'Molecular Clamp' technology stabilizes viral proteins, allowing for quicker development of fully liquid combination vaccines that can be stored at standard refrigeration temperatures (2–8°C) [3][4] - Vicebio's pipeline includes VXB-241, a bivalent vaccine candidate for RSV and hMPV currently in exploratory phase 1 study, and VXB-251, a preclinical trivalent vaccine candidate targeting RSV, hMPV, and parainfluenza virus Type 3 (PIV3) [4] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The acquisition allows Sanofi to expand its offerings in the respiratory vaccines space, providing increased options for physicians and patients by adding a non-mRNA vaccine to its pipeline [2] - Sanofi aims to leverage Vicebio's technology to develop next-generation combination vaccines that could protect older adults against multiple respiratory viruses with a single immunization [4]