Strategic takeover deal ahead of the holidays French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has reached an agreement to acquire Dynavax, a California-based vaccine developer, for $15.50 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.5 billion. Through this deal, Sanofi gains ownership of Heplisav-B, an FDA-approved adult hepatitis B vaccine. Heplisav-B distinguishes itself with a two-dose regimen delivered within a single month, offering a more efficient alternative to competing shots that require three doses over a six-month period.
High expectations for a next-generation shingles vaccine A primary driver for the acquisition is Z-1018, Dynavax’s experimental shingles vaccine candidate. Early clinical data indicates that Z-1018 provides efficacy comparable to the current market leader but with fewer local and systemic post-injection reactions. If subsequent trials prove successful, this candidate could become a formidable challenger in the global shingles vaccine market, which currently generates billions in annual revenue.
Strengthening leadership in immunology This marks Sanofi’s second major vaccine acquisition this year, following the $1.6 billion purchase of Vicebio in July. Beyond hepatitis B and shingles, Sanofi will also inherit Dynavax’s pipeline of candidates for Lyme disease, plague, and pandemic influenza. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, reinforcing Sanofi’s commitment to providing comprehensive immunization protection across the lifespan, with a particular focus on the adult segment.
Source: https://pharmaphorum.com/news/sanofi-swoops-dynavax-25bn-takeover-deal