Sanofi to acquire Dren Bio’s bispecific myeloid cell engager for deep B-cell depletion, broadening immunology pipeline
Current TAP Partner
Paris, March 20, 2025. Sanofi and Dren Bio, Inc., a private clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, have entered into a definitive agreement under which Sanofi has agreed to acquire DR-0201, a targeted bispecific myeloid cell engager (MCE) that has shown robust B-cell depletion in pre-clinical and early clinical studies.
DR-0201 is a potential first-in-class CD20-directed bispecific antibody that targets and engages specific tissue-resident and trafficking myeloid cells to induce deep B-cell depletion via targeted phagocytosis. Recent early clinical study data in autoimmune diseases suggest that deep B-cell depletion might have the potential to reset the adaptive immune system, leading to sustained treatment-free remission in patients with refractory B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases such as lupus, where significant unmet medical needs remain.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Sanofi will acquire DR-0201 through the acquisition of the Dren Bio affiliate Dren-0201 for an upfront payment of $600 million and potential future payments totaling $1.3 billion upon achievement of certain development and launch milestones.
After the acquisition of Dren-0201, Dren Bio will continue to operate independently to advance its pipeline of antibody therapeutics that selectively deplete pathogenic cells and other disease-causing agents.
Sanofi’s acquisition of Dren-0201 is subject to closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals. The companies expect the transaction to close during Q2 2025.