Novavax Inc. and Sanofi have expanded their collaboration to include the use of Novavax's Matrix-M adjuvant in Sanofi's pandemic influenza vaccine candidate program, marking a significant step in U.S. pandemic preparedness efforts. The amendment to their existing collaboration and license agreement (CLA) comes as Sanofi received federal funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for early-stage development work.
Federal Support Drives Partnership Expansion
The expanded partnership follows Sanofi's receipt of funding from BARDA, which operates within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding supports early-stage work on Sanofi's pandemic influenza vaccine candidate that incorporates Novavax's Matrix-M adjuvant under Contract 75A50122D00003.
The CLA amendment enables Sanofi to use Matrix-M in early-stage development of its pandemic influenza vaccine candidates through Phase 2 clinical trials. Should Sanofi advance to Phase 3 clinical development, both companies will negotiate new license rates and financial terms.
"We're excited that Sanofi has recognized the potential of a pandemic influenza vaccine candidate that contains Novavax's validated Matrix-M adjuvant," said John C. Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novavax. "We're pleased to deepen our partnership with leading vaccine innovator, Sanofi, and to share our technology in support of U.S. pandemic preparedness efforts with the goal of potentially saving millions of lives."
Financial Framework and Future Opportunities
The amendment builds upon the original agreement's financial structure, which positions Novavax to receive substantial milestone payments and royalties. Under the existing terms, Novavax remains eligible to receive up to $200 million for the first four products created by Sanofi utilizing Matrix-M adjuvant. For each subsequent product incorporating Matrix-M, Novavax could receive up to $210 million in milestone payments, plus ongoing royalties for all Sanofi products utilizing the adjuvant technology.
Sanofi is currently exploring additional opportunities with Matrix-M beyond the pandemic influenza program, suggesting potential for further expansion of the partnership.
Matrix-M Adjuvant Technology
Matrix-M represents Novavax's proprietary adjuvant technology designed to enhance vaccine efficacy by stimulating stronger immune responses. The adjuvant is currently used in globally approved vaccines and has demonstrated clinical proof of inducing potent, durable and broad immune responses with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile.
The technology forms a cornerstone of Novavax's vaccine platform, where recombinant, protein-based nanoparticles are combined with Matrix-M adjuvant to constitute the basis of the company's expanding pipeline. This approach addresses some of the world's most pressing health challenges through Novavax's scientific expertise in vaccines and proven technology platform.
Strategic Implications for Pandemic Preparedness
The partnership expansion reflects growing recognition of adjuvant technologies' importance in pandemic vaccine development. By incorporating Matrix-M into pandemic influenza vaccine candidates, Sanofi aims to enhance immune responses that could prove critical during future influenza pandemics.
Novavax's growth strategy focuses on optimizing existing partnerships while expanding access to its proven technology platform through research and development innovation, organic portfolio expansion in infectious disease and beyond, and forging new partnerships and collaborations with other companies.
