Sanofi bets big on Alzheimer’s drug with bold biotech buyout


Sanofi is doubling down on neuroscience with a $470 million acquisition of Vigil Neuroscience, securing full rights to an early-stage Alzheimer’s drug targeting the immune-linked protein TREM2. This bold move follows a 2023 investment that gave Sanofi a front-row seat to Vigil’s small molecule platform and reflects the company’s long-term commitment to neurology, even as the segment currently lags behind its oncology and immunology offerings.

VG-3927, the lead candidate, has completed Phase 1 trials and aligns with Sanofi’s strategy of using immunology to tackle neurodegeneration. While rivals have struggled with TREM2-based drugs, Sanofi is signalling confidence in the target’s potential. The acquisition excludes Vigil’s other pipeline drug, which returns to Amgen.

This deal underscores Sanofi’s appetite for high-risk, high-reward assets that deepen its neuroscience pipeline while staying true to its immunology-first approach.

Read the full breakdown of Sanofi’s neuroscience pivot.