Latest news with #respiratoryvirus
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Billion euro deal: Sanofi buys UK biotech company to expand respiratory vaccine portfolio
In the race to develop next-generation respiratory virus vaccines, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi has agreed to buy Vicebio Ltd., a privately-held biotechnology company headquartered in London, UK. Sanofi said there will be an initial cash payment of $1.15bn (€980 million) for the deal, 'with potential milestone payments of up to $450 million based on development and regulatory achievements'. 'We are excited to join Sanofi', said Emmanuel Hanon, Chief Executive Officer at Vicebio, in a statement. 'Their global scale and deep expertise in vaccine development provide the ideal environment to fully realise the potential of our innovative technology." With the acquisition, Sanofi gets Vicebio's early-stage combination vaccine candidate for two respiratory viruses, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Respiratory infections, affecting millions globally, often appear as cold-like illnesses that could, in severe cases, lead to pneumonia. In respiratory medication, Sanofi already has several vaccines in its portfolio against flu and RSV prevention; this latest acquisition adds a non-mRNA vaccine to its pipeline. mRNA technology is relatively new for vaccines. It teaches the body how to make a protein that triggers an immune response to protect against a specific virus, instead of using a weakened or inactivated germ to trigger this reaction. With the current deal, Sanofi also gets access to Vicebio's Molecular Clamp technology, which stabilises viral proteins in their native shape, triggering a more effective immune response. This technology is expected to speed up vaccine development and simplify manufacturing and distribution. Related EU pharma chief calls for European Nasdaq to boost biotech innovation Doliprane-maker Sanofi confirms exclusive talks with US firm CD&R 'This acquisition furthers Sanofi's dedication to vaccine innovation with the potential to develop next-generation combination vaccines that could provide protection to older adults against multiple respiratory viruses with a single immunisation," said Jean-François Toussaint, global head of research and development vaccines at Sanofi. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, and will not have a significant impact on Sanofi's financial guidance for 2025. The pharma giant's share price was down around 0.4% before 11:00 CEST in Paris. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Billion euro deal: Sanofi buys UK biotech company to expand respiratory vaccine portfolio
In the race to develop next-generation respiratory virus vaccines, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi has agreed to buy Vicebio Ltd., a privately-held biotechnology company headquartered in London, UK. Sanofi said there will be an initial cash payment of $1.15bn (€980 million) for the deal, 'with potential milestone payments of up to $450 million based on development and regulatory achievements'. 'We are excited to join Sanofi', said Emmanuel Hanon, Chief Executive Officer at Vicebio, in a statement. 'Their global scale and deep expertise in vaccine development provide the ideal environment to fully realise the potential of our innovative technology." With the acquisition, Sanofi gets Vicebio's early-stage combination vaccine candidate for two respiratory viruses, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Respiratory infections, affecting millions globally, often appear as cold-like illnesses that could, in severe cases, lead to pneumonia. In respiratory medication, Sanofi already has several vaccines in its portfolio against flu and RSV prevention; this latest acquisition adds a non-mRNA vaccine to its pipeline. mRNA technology is relatively new for vaccines. It teaches the body how to make a protein that triggers an immune response to protect against a specific virus, instead of using a weakened or inactivated germ to trigger this reaction. With the current deal, Sanofi also gets access to Vicebio's Molecular Clamp technology, which stabilises viral proteins in their native shape, triggering a more effective immune response. This technology is expected to speed up vaccine development and simplify manufacturing and distribution. Related EU pharma chief calls for European Nasdaq to boost biotech innovation Doliprane-maker Sanofi confirms exclusive talks with US firm CD&R 'This acquisition furthers Sanofi's dedication to vaccine innovation with the potential to develop next-generation combination vaccines that could provide protection to older adults against multiple respiratory viruses with a single immunisation," said Jean-François Toussaint, global head of research and development vaccines at Sanofi. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, and will not have a significant impact on Sanofi's financial guidance for 2025. The pharma giant's share price was down around 0.4% before 11:00 CEST in Paris.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RSV vaccine to be offered to premature babies in NI
A vaccination programme to tackle respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is to be extended to cover premature babies born in Northern Ireland. A long-acting injection is to be offered for eligible children from this autumn. RSV is a common, but highly infectious, respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults. It infects 90% of children by the age of two and is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in the first year of life. An RSV vaccine has been available to pregnant women in Northern Ireland since last September and is offered from 28 weeks of pregnancy. The new programme will cover those infants born very prematurely and too early to benefit from the RSV vaccination given to their mothers. The single Nirsevimab injection offers about 80% protection and replaces Palivizumab, which gives 55% protection and is administered up to five times. It follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Chief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride said: "Vaccinations have been extremely effective in eradicating diseases and protecting children and other vulnerable groups from serious illness and death. "Worryingly, we are now seeing a decline in the uptake of childhood immunisations. "Vaccinations offer children the very best start in life. Quite simply, if children aren't vaccinated, they're not protected." Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the new vaccine would strengthen winter preparedness in the health service and reduce pressures on GPs, emergency departments and hospital admissions.
CBS News
14-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
New Jersey woman opens up about experience with parvovirus, warns other moms-to-be
A little-known respiratory virus is spreading, mainly among children, and can be dangerous for pregnant women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because parvovirus doesn't always have obvious symptoms, the CDC says pregnant women might want to consider wearing masks in crowded areas. Jackie Blalock was worried about her newborn baby Charlotte, who was delivered two weeks early because of a parvovirus infection. The special education teacher in South Jersey says the respiratory infection spread through her school and that seven students in her class had confirmed cases. She suspects she got the virus from sitting at a table with her students. The CDC says parvovirus B19 symptoms are mild or nonexistent. The most common sign of an infection is a facial rash. "The nickname is slapped cheek disease," Blalock said. "I looked like I was slapped across both cheeks." A blood test confirmed her case, and while it's usually not dangerous, parvovirus can be for pregnant women. "I was panicking for my unborn daughter," Blalock said, "There is a risk that the virus can pass across the placenta and infect the baby," Dr. Jenani Jayakumaran with Virtua Health said. Jayakumaran said parvovirus can cause serious complications and even death for an unborn baby. The CDC says there has been a continued increase in cases among teenagers and young adults and is warning pregnant people. "They recommend that patients consider masking as well as standard hygiene things like hand washing," Jayakumaran said. "I wish I had known ahead of time," Blalock said. "I would have worn a mask." Parvovirus is more commonly associated with an infection that affects dogs, but it can't spread between people and animals. "It's something no one talks about, so it is a little scary," Blalock said. "It is uncharted water." Doctors say Charlotte, who's a month old now, is fine, and Blalock is relieved. Blalock says she's now on a mission to warn pregnant women about the potential danger.
