Strengthening adult immunization strategic assets The French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Dynavax Technologies for $15.50 per share in cash, valuing the deal at approximately $2.2 billion. Expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, the acquisition centers on Heplisav-B, the first and only two-dose adult hepatitis B vaccine administered in just one month. This streamlined regimen provides a significant market advantage over traditional three-dose, six-month alternatives.
Integrating Heplisav-B is seen as a tactical move to bolster Sanofi’s revenue streams following an 8% decline in third-quarter vaccine sales in 2025, a slump largely attributed to over-reliance on seasonal influenza shots.
Promising pipeline for shingles protection Beyond established products, Sanofi gains access to Z-1018, an experimental shingles vaccine currently in phase 1/2 clinical trials. Z-1018 is positioned as a potential challenger to the market leader, GSK’s Shingrix. Early trial data indicated a 100% humoral response rate, showcasing its potential to address substantial global public health needs through innovative recombinant technology.
Resolution of corporate tensions The buyout marks the conclusion of a turbulent year for Dynavax, which included a high-profile dispute with activist investor Deep Track Capital. The investor had previously urged the company to limit external acquisitions and focus solely on maximizing its primary hepatitis B asset. By joining Sanofi, Dynavax aims to leverage the French firm’s global commercial reach and development expertise to amplify the impact of its innovative vaccine pipeline.