California, USA (CU)_ Sanofi has purchased Origimm Biotechnology in order to create an acne vaccine. Sanofi has announced the acquisition of Origimm Biotechnology, a private biotechnology firm focused on the identification of pathogenic skin microbiome components and antigens from bacteria that cause skin disorders like acne. The deal gives Sanofi access to a possible first-in-class vaccine candidate to treat acne vulgaris, a disorder that affects millions of people globally. The deal is scheduled to finalize in the first quarter of December 2021.
ORI-001 will be included in Sanofi’s early-stage pipeline as a result of the agreement. ORI-001 is a recombinant protein-based therapeutic vaccination candidate for acne vulgaris that underwent initial clinical trials in the third quarter of 2021. Simultaneously, Sanofi is producing more antigen variants and plans to use its next-generation mRNA platform in a large Phase I/II study scheduled to begin in 2023.
Origimm or Origins of Immunity is a biotechnology business that focuses on the development of vaccine antigens and therapeutic targets to prevent and treat illnesses and infections caused by skin-colonizing microorganisms. Sanofi claims that Origimm has wide experience in antigen identification for immune regulation of illnesses related to the skin microbiota.
Thomas Triomphe, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Sanofi, expressed confidence over the aquisition. He said, “The acquisition of Origimm further broadens our vaccines R&D pipeline with a first vaccine candidate against acne, a high medical need for millions of teenagers and adults”. He added, Welcoming Origimm with Sanofi expands our area of expertise by bringing extensive know-how in the field of skin microbiome and skin immunology. We look forward to unlocking the full potential of this candidate”.
Dr Sanya Selak, Founder and Chief Executive Officer/Chief Strategy Officer of Origimm, expressed hopes over the collaboration. He said, “We are looking forward to combining our expertise and strengths to continue developing innovative solutions for prevention and treatment of the skin microbiome-associated diseases, such as common acne”. He added, “Together with such a strong partner like Sanofi, we will strive to create a paradigm shift in treatment of skin diseases and many other microbiome-associated disorders and infections, for which current medical solutions are inadequate.”
