Sanofi Expands Immunology Pipeline with $600M Acquisition of Dren Bio’s Novel B-Cell Depleting Bispecific Antibody

Sanofi agreed to acquire Dren Bio's DR-0201 for $600 million upfront, with potential additional payments of $1.3 billion12
DR-0201 is a first-in-class CD20-directed bispecific antibody that induces deep B-cell depletion via targeted phagocytosis36
The drug engages tissue-resident and trafficking myeloid cells to deplete B cells36
DR-0201 is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases like lupus36
Early clinical data suggests DR-0201 may reset the adaptive immune system, potentially leading to sustained treatment-free remission in refractory patients46
The acquisition strengthens Sanofi's immunology pipeline and advances its goal of becoming a leader in immunology6
The deal is expected to close in Q2 2025, subject to regulatory approvals56
After the acquisition, Dren Bio will continue to operate independently to advance its other pipeline programs56

Sources:

1. https://www.drenbio.com/platform.html

2. https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2025-03/64874611-sanofi-sanofi-to-acquire-dren-bio-s-bispecific-myeloid-cell-engager-for-deep-b-cell-depletion-broadening-immunology-pipeline-399.htm

3. https://www.drenbio.com/news.html

4. https://www.trialsitenews.com/a/sanofi-acquires-dren-bios-bispecific-myeloid-cell-engager-for-600m-advancing-deep-b-cell-depletion-in-autoimmune-diseases-a3ff0bcc

5. https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/sanofi-to-acquire-dren-bio-s-dr-0201-deal-includes-600m-upfront-payment-1034498275

6. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/20/3045945/0/en/Press-Release-Sanofi-to-acquire-Dren-Bio-s-bispecific-myeloid-cell-engager-for-deep-B-cell-depletion-broadening-immunology-pipeline.html