Sanofi Discontinues mRNA Seasonal Flu Vaccine Development, Focuses on Existing Vaccines Amid CEO Confidence
Sanofi announced in its 2025 earnings documents the discontinuation of its phase 1 mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine program, deprioritizing it with no near-term launch planned.12
The company remains committed to mRNA technology for a pandemic flu vaccine, specifically continuing a phase 1/2 study for an H5 avian flu platform with encouraging preliminary data.12
Sanofi is shifting focus to its successful Fluzone High-Dose and Flublok recombinant protein vaccines, which demonstrate strong protection against severe flu outcomes.12
CEO Paul Hudson expressed confidence in the company's vaccine strategy, noting market share gains despite a 6% decline in influenza and COVID-19 vaccine sales to 2.3 billion euros in 2025, and denying political influence on clinical decisions.2
This follows Sanofi's 2021 acquisition of Translate Bio for $3.2 billion and 2023 efforts on next-gen mRNA flu vaccines, which faced challenges against influenza B strains.12
Sources:
1. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-vaccines/sanofi-scraps-plan-develop-next-generation-mrna-seasonal-flu-vaccine
2. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/sanofi-scraps-attempt-develop-next-gen-mrna-seasonal-flu-vaccine