Sanofi Launches mRNA Vaccines Center of Excellence in Cambridge and Lyon

Sanofi has announced it will invest approximately $475 million annually in a first-of-its kind two-site mRNA vaccines Center of Excellence in Cambridge, MA and Lyon, France. The Center will work to accelerate the development and delivery of next-generation vaccines by bringing together approximately 400 dedicated employees integrating end-to-end mRNA vaccine capabilities including dedicated R&D, manufacturing and controls (CMC) teams. The Center of Excellence will enable acceleration of the vaccines mRNA portfolio developed through the Translate Bio collaboration established in 2018 and expanded in 2020.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA technologies demonstrated potential to deliver new vaccines faster than ever before. However, key areas of innovation such as thermostability and tolerability improvements will be critical to unlock the applications of mRNA in routine vaccination against a broader set of infectious diseases and across all ages. The Sanofi mRNA vaccines Center of Excellence aims to lead the field in this next chapter of vaccine innovation,” said Jean-Francois Toussaint, Global Head of Research and Development, Sanofi Pasteur.

“This massive new investment clearly puts us in the race to develop next-generation vaccines where mRNA technologies can have greatest impact.” said Thomas Triomphe, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Sanofi Pasteur. “While mRNA won’t be the solution for every infectious disease, its translation into routine prevention could have immense impact for many unmet public health needs. It now becomes a critical new technology in our comprehensive vaccines toolbox, one which could help reinvent health protection in the future.” (Source: Sanofi Website, 29 June, 2021)