Sanofi to Aquire Inhibrx for $1.7 Billion
The acquisition adds a potential rare disease asset to Sanofi’s alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency pipeline.
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On Jan, 23, 2024, Sanofi announced its planned acquisition of Inhibrx, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical, in a deal valued at approximately $1.7 billion with a potential additional cash consideration of around $296 million. The acquisition will take place after the spin-off of non-INBRX-101 assets, such as its immune-oncology pipeline, into New Inhibrx. New Inhibrx will also retain its employees.
INBRX-101 is a human recombinant protein that can potentially normalize serum alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) levels in AAT deficiency (AATD) patients with less frequent doses. AATD is a genetic rare disease defined by low levels of AAT protein, which primarily affects the lung with progressive deterioration of the tissue. INBRX-101 works by inhibiting neutrophil elastase, an enzyme that causes lung tissue damage in AATD patients. INBRX-101 has the potential to reduce inflammation and prevent further deterioration of lung function in affected patients, according to a company press release.
INBRX-101 has finished a Phase I trial, where it demonstrated positive results in terms of safety and pharmacokinetics. It is being enrolled in a Phase II clinical trial to continue evaluating its potential as a treatment for AATD.
“The addition of INBRX-101 as a high-potential asset to our rare disease portfolio reinforces our strategy to commit to differentiated and potential best-in-class products,” said Houman Ashrafian, head of Research and Development at Sanofi, in the press release. “With our expertise in rare diseases and growing presence in immune-mediated respiratory conditions, INBRX-101 will complement our approach to deploy R&D efforts in key areas of focus and address the needs of the underserved AATD patients and communities.”
Source: Sanofi
