Translate Bio Inc. is partnering with a Sanofi unit to develop vaccines that could treat infectious diseases caused by protein or gene dysfunctions.
Under an initial three-year research term, France's Sanofi Pasteur SA and Lexington, Mass.-based Translate Bio will develop messenger RNA, or mRNA, vaccines for up to five undisclosed pathogens that can cause disease.
Traditional vaccines work by mimicking disease agents to stimulate the immune system, while mRNA vaccines work by targeting any protein associated with preventing or treating a virus that can cause disease.
An mRNA vaccine offers high potency as well as a capacity for rapid development and a potential for low-cost manufacturing, making it a viable alternative to a conventional vaccine, Translate Bio said in a news release.
Translate Bio will receive an up-front payment of $45 million and up to $805 million tied to the completion of certain milestones. The company will also receive royalties on the worldwide sales of any vaccines that are commercialized.
Sanofi Pasteur will pay for all costs under the research term and will receive exclusive worldwide commercialization rights to the vaccines. Translate Bio will be responsible for clinical manufacturing and will be entitled to additional payments under a separate supply agreement that is yet to be established.
The deal is subject to closing conditions, including antitrust clearance in the U.S.
