Sanofi Bolsters Immunology Pipeline with Acquisition of Dren Bio’s DR-0201 for Up to $1.9 Billion

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Sanofi has reached an agreement with Dren Bio to acquire DR-020, a CD20-directed bispecific antibody currently in early clinical trials for refractory B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, in a deal that could be valued at up to $1.9 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, Sanofi will make an upfront payment of $600 million to Dren Bio. The company may also receive up to $1.3 billion in additional payments upon achieving key development and launch milestones. Sanofi plans to finance the transaction with existing cash resources. Following the acquisition, Sanofi will integrate the DR-0201 program while Dren Bio continues developing its broader antibody platform.¹

“Deep B-cell depletion is at the frontier of treating autoimmune diseases and using the myeloid cell engager DR-0201 has the potential to elevate the treatment effect for patients, in particular patients refractory to existing treatments,” said Houman Ashrafian, head of research and development, Sanofi, in a press release. “This is yet another important step in Sanofi’s ambition to bring breakthrough medicines to patients, and further strengthens our robust pipeline focused on the immune system. Through our own research and strategic licensing and acquisitions, we continue to advance our goal of becoming the leader in immunology.”

Currently in Phase I trials, DR-0201 has shown robust B-cell depletion in early data, demonstrating promise in treating refractory B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. According to Sanofi, the therapy has the potential to reset the adaptive immune system, potentially leading to sustained treatment-free remission.¹

The acquisition follows a series of strategic deals by Sanofi this year. In January, the company entered into a $400 million agreement with Alloy Therapeutics to leverage its AntiClastic Antisense Platform for a central nervous system target, aiming to develop a novel class of medicines capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier.²

In December 2024, Sanofi expanded its collaboration with SK Biosciences to develop next-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for pediatric and adult populations. The partnership focuses on combating invasive pneumococcal disease caused by serotypes not covered by existing vaccines. Under the agreement, Sanofi made an upfront payment of approximately $51 million, with SK eligible for additional payments tied to future development and commercial milestones.³

“Dren Bio is committed to redefining treatment possibilities in immunology, oncology, and other therapeutic areas with our targeted myeloid engager and phagocytosis platform,” said Nenad Tomasevic, co-founder, CEO, Dren Bio, in the press release. “It has been a privilege to advance our lead platform program, DR-0201 into clinical development and evaluate its potential to achieve potent B-cell depletion. As a leader in immunology, Sanofi is ideally positioned to unlock the power of deep B-cell depletion and immune reset for autoimmune patients with this novel myeloid cell engager.”

References

1. Press Release: Sanofi to acquire Dren Bio’s bispecific myeloid cell engager for deep B-cell depletion, broadening immunology pipeline. Sanofi. March 20, 2025. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.sanofi.com/en/media-room/press-releases/2025/2025-03-20-06-00-00-3045945

2. Alloy Therapeutics Announces a Target Specific Collaboration and License Agreement for use of AntiClastic™ Antisense Platform with Sanofi. Business Wire. January 7, 2025. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250107690406/en/Alloy-Therapeutics-Announces-a-Target-Specific-Collaboration-and-License-Agreement-for-use-of-AntiClastic-Antisense-Platform-with-Sanofi

3. Sanofi, SK Bioscience Launch Phase III Trial Program to Develop PCV21 for Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines. PharmExec. January 3, 2025. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/sanofi-sk-bioscience-launch-phase-iii-trial-program-develop-pcv21-pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccines