Sanofi has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Vigil Neuroscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on neurodegenerative diseases. The deal, valued at approximately $470 million, includes an $8 per share cash offer and a contingent value right of $2 per share tied to future sales of Vigil’s lead candidate, VG-3927. This small oral molecule is a TREM2 agonist being developed to support microglial activity in Alzheimer’s disease. Sanofi plans to evaluate VG-3927 in a phase 2 trial. The acquisition aligns with Sanofi’s strategic emphasis on neurology and builds on its earlier $40 million investment in Vigil, which granted it the right of first negotiation.
VG-3927’s mechanism aims to improve microglial function, which is often impaired in Alzheimer’s, leading to inflammation and nerve cell damage. Current treatments for Alzheimer’s offer limited impact on disease progression, highlighting the demand for new approaches. Ivana Magovčević-Liebisch, President & Chief Executive Officer at Vigil, highlighted, “We are incredibly proud of the extraordinary and diverse team at Vigil and the progress we have made in developing innovative TREM2-based therapeutics. We look forward to joining forces with Sanofi's team to leverage Sanofi’s resources, broad platform and far-reaching network to fully unlock and accelerate the development of VG-3927 for the potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease – a devastating disease with significant unmet need.” Sanofi’s acquisition reflects its continued investment in innovative treatments targeting diseases with limited therapeutic options.
