Vigil Neuroscience to be Acquired by Sanofi in $600M Deal

Sanofi has reached a definitive merger agreement to acquire Vigil Neuroscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, for an upfront payment of $8.00 per share in cash, with Vigil's shareholders potentially receiving an additional $2.00 per share through a non-tradeable contingent value right (CVR), contingent upon the first commercial sale of Vigil's VG-3927. This acquisition is valued at approximately $600 million. The deal aims to leverage Sanofi's development capabilities to advance VG-3927, a Phase 2-ready clinical candidate for Alzheimer's disease, which targets TREM2 to enhance neuroprotective functions in neurodegenerative conditions. A significant aspect of Vigil's work involves activating TREM2 to facilitate microglial cell functionality, addressing a critical need in Alzheimer's treatment where current therapies fall short. Notably, Iluzanebart, another program under Vigil targeting TREM2, will return to its original licensor, Amgen, prior to the transaction's closure. The acquisition, supported by Vigil's current shareholders representing 16% of its shares, is set to conclude in the third quarter of 2025 after meeting regulatory and customary conditions. Advisors include Centerview Partners and Goodwin Procter LLP.