Sanofi to acquire Vigil Neuroscience, Inc., adding a new investigational medicine to treat Alzheimer’s disease to the neurology pipeline

26-May-2025

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Sanofi announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Vigil Neuroscience, Inc., a publicly traded clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. This acquisition in neurology, one of Sanofi’s four strategic disease areas, enhances Sanofi’s early-stage pipeline and includes VG-3927, which will be evaluated in a phase 2 clinical study in Alzheimer’s disease. VG-3927 is an oral small molecule TREM2 agonist. Activating TREM2 is expected to enhance the neuroprotective function of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease.

In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, microglial activation is dysregulated, leading to debris accumulation, chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system. Activation of TREM2 has shown to promote the migration of microglial cells to sites of injury, enhance their capability for phagocytosis, proliferation, and survival. Consequently, this facilitates the prevention of neural degeneration that is frequently associated with adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases.

Currently approved therapies for Alzheimer's disease do not stop or reverse the disease progression and there are stringent eligibility requirements for treatment. There is a critical need to develop more efficacious, safer, and convenient options for people living with Alzheimer's disease.

In June 2024, Sanofi made a $40 million strategic investment in Vigil that included the exclusive right of first negotiation for an exclusive license, grant, or transfer of rights to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize VG-3927. This acquisition is a testament to Sanofi’s proactive approach in equity investments to secure greater optionality in addressing critical healthcare challenges. By strategically investing in promising ventures like Vigil, Sanofi demonstrates how its forward-looking strategies are translating into tangible advancements in the neurology pipeline and reinforcing a commitment to innovation.

VGL101, Vigil’s second molecule program, is not being acquired by Sanofi.

The companies expect the transaction to close in Q3 2025. The acquisition will not have an impact on Sanofi’s financial guidance for 2025.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/1186334/sanofi-to-acquire-vigil-neuroscience-inc-adding-a-new-investigational-medicine-to-treat-alzheimers-disease-to-the-neurology-pipeline.html