Sanofi and SK Bioscience Enhance Partnership for Next-Generation Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines

Expanded Collaboration:
Sanofi and SK Bioscience have expanded their collaboration to develop, license, and commercialize next-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) for both pediatric and adult populations124.

Phase III Testing:
Sanofi has initiated Phase III testing of its 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV21), which is the first PCV candidate with more than 20 serotypes to enter Phase III in infants and toddlers24.

Financial Terms:
Sanofi will pay €50 million upfront to SK Bioscience, followed by development and commercial milestone payments. Both companies will co-fund research and development costs124.

Commercialization:
Once registered, Sanofi will commercialize the vaccines worldwide except for South Korea, where SK Bioscience will have commercial exclusivity. SK Bioscience will receive royalty payments on product sales outside South Korea124.

Market Potential:
The global pneumococcal vaccine market is projected to grow from €7.85 billion in 2024 to €9.1 billion in 2028, with an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. The pediatric market represents 65 to 70% of the pneumococcal vaccine market13.

Clinical Program:
The Phase III program for PCV21 will include more than 7,700 infants, toddlers, young children, and adolescents across multiple geographies, including the US, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Latin America24.

Sources:

1. https://european-biotechnology.com/latest-news/sanofi-expands-collaboration-with-sk-bioscience/

2. https://live.euronext.com/en/products/equities/company-news/2024-12-23-press-release-sanofi-initiates-phase-3-program-pcv21-and

3. https://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=232429

4. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/12/23/3001006/0/en/Press-Release-Sanofi-initiates-phase-3-program-for-PCV21-and-expands-collaboration-with-SK-bioscience-for-next-generation-pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccines.html