In a major move underscoring its ambition to lead in rare diseases and immunology, French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi announced its plan to acquire U.S.-based Blueprint Medicines for up to $9.5 billion. The deal, the largest by a European healthcare company this year, will see Sanofi paying $129 per share in cash, a significant premium that sent Blueprint’s stock soaring in premarket trading.
Blueprint Medicines, known for its specialty in treating systemic mastocytosis a rare blood disorder marked by the overproduction of mast cells brings to Sanofi a strong foothold in a niche yet critical area of medicine. The acquisition adds the FDA-approved drug Ayvakit, the only treatment for advanced systemic mastocytosis, to Sanofi’s growing immunology portfolio.
Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson framed the deal as a strategic leap forward, enhancing the company’s pipeline and reinforcing its transformation into a global leader in immunology. With a promising pipeline including next-generation therapies like elenestinib and BLU-808, the acquisition fits into Sanofi’s broader ambition of innovation despite recent setbacks, including a failed lung disease drug trial.
Industry analysts from JP Morgan praised the acquisition for its strategic and financial merits, forecasting Ayvakit could generate $2 billion in annual sales by 2030. Sanofi’s ongoing spree of acquisitions, including Vigil Neuroscience and Inhibrx, signals a company doubling down on R&D investments to reshape its future.
The acquisition aligns with Sanofi’s broader strategy to invest heavily in U.S. manufacturing and research, tapping into incentives and momentum driven by recent government policies. With Blueprint Medicines now joining its portfolio, Sanofi cements its stake in cutting-edge immunology treatments and rare disease therapies, positioning itself for long-term growth in a competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
