Sanofi punts $175 million on E. coli vaccine research deal

French pharma major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) has signed a research collaboration with US healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals

The companies aim to develop and commercialize the vaccine candidate for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (9-valent) developed by Janssen, currently in Phase III. The agreement brings together Janssen’s robust science behind this potential first-in-class product and Sanofi’s worldwide manufacturing footprint and recognized world-class expertise in launching innovative vaccines.

Commenting on the development, Thomas Triomphe, executive vice president, vaccines, at Sanofi, said: “E. coli is a significant cause of sepsis, mortality, and antimicrobial resistance in older adults, and the number of cases is rising as the population ages. In line with our commitment to design and deliver first- or best-in-class medicines and vaccines, this agreement with Janssen aims to positively impact public health by reducing hospitalization costs and the burden on health systems associated with ExPEC and help older adults around the world to live longer, healthier lives.”