Sanofi is set to acquire Vicebio Ltd., a privately held UK biotech specializing in respiratory virus vaccines, for $1.15 billion upfront with up to $450 million in potential milestone payments. The acquisition adds Vicebio's early-stage combination vaccine candidate VXB-241, targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), to Sanofi’s respiratory vaccines portfolio. This move complements Sanofi's existing vaccine efforts including partnerships with Novavax and AstraZeneca. Clinical data from phase 1 trials indicate favorable safety and tolerability in older adults. Vicebio's platform utilizes molecular clamp technology, designed to enhance immune responses and simplify manufacture and distribution of vaccines against multiple respiratory pathogens.