Sanofi to acquire Blueprint Medicines in $9.5 billion deal to bolster immunology push

French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi is set to acquire U.S.-based Blueprint Medicines Corporation in a deal worth up to $9.5 billion, marking one of the largest European healthcare transactions of the year. The all-cash offer, at $129 per share, includes additional contingent value rights tied to development milestones. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening Sanofi’s rare disease and immunology portfolios—core areas in its long-term growth strategy.

Blueprint brings to the table Ayvakit (also marketed as Ayvakyt in Europe), currently the only approved treatment for advanced and indolent systemic mastocytosis, a rare and debilitating immunological disorder. Sanofi sees the drug as a cornerstone asset that not only adds immediate value to its portfolio but also deepens its reach into the immunology space. The deal also includes a pipeline of promising assets such as elenestinib and BLU-808, both positioned as next-generation treatments targeting a broader range of immune-related diseases.

Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson described the acquisition as “a strategic step forward” in transforming the company into a global leader in immunology. “It enhances our pipeline and accelerates our transformation,” he said, underscoring Sanofi’s ambition to pivot further toward high-growth, specialty-care areas.

The deal follows a string of recent biotech acquisitions by Sanofi. Just last month, it acquired Vigil Neuroscience for $470 million, and earlier this year, it announced a $2.2 billion deal for U.S.-based Inhibrx. While its shares remained largely flat following the announcement, the move signals Sanofi's confidence in deploying capital to secure long-term growth assets.

In addition to the base $129 per share in cash, Blueprint shareholders will receive a non-tradable contingent value right (CVR), which could deliver up to $6 more per share based on future regulatory and developmental milestones related to BLU-808. On a fully diluted basis, that puts the total equity value of the deal at approximately $9.5 billion.

Beyond the assets themselves, Blueprint's established relationships with allergists, dermatologists, and immunologists are expected to complement Sanofi’s expanding reach in specialty care. This could accelerate commercialization and strengthen market penetration in both the U.S. and Europe.

Summary

Sanofi is acquiring Blueprint Medicines for up to $9.5 billion to strengthen its rare disease and immunology drug pipeline. The move adds market-approved and experimental drugs to Sanofi’s portfolio, aligns with its recent acquisition spree, and reflects a broader strategy to focus on high-growth therapeutic areas. The deal is also expected to expand Sanofi’s commercial reach among specialist physicians in the U.S., potentially driving long-term growth in a competitive biopharma landscape.

FAQs: Sanofi’s Acquisition of Blueprint Medicines

1. Why is Sanofi acquiring Blueprint Medicines?

Sanofi aims to strengthen its position in the immunology and rare disease sectors. Blueprint’s specialized treatments—particularly Ayvakit/Ayvakyt for systemic mastocytosis—align with Sanofi’s strategy to lead in these high-growth therapeutic areas.

2. What is systemic mastocytosis, and why is it significant?

Systemic mastocytosis is a rare immune disorder involving the overproduction of abnormal mast cells that affect multiple organs. It’s a complex, under-treated condition, and Blueprint's Ayvakit is currently the only approved treatment, giving it a strong market position.

3. What is the total value of the deal, and how is it structured?

The deal includes a $129 per share cash offer and contingent value rights (CVRs) worth up to $6 per share, based on developmental milestones for BLU-808. The total transaction value could reach approximately $9.5 billion on a fully diluted basis.

4. What does Blueprint bring to Sanofi beyond Ayvakit?

In addition to Ayvakit, Blueprint brings a robust pipeline of next-generation therapies like elenestinib and BLU-808, as well as established networks among allergists, dermatologists, and immunologists in the U.S. market.

5. How does this acquisition fit into Sanofi’s recent strategy?

The deal continues Sanofi’s acquisition streak—following recent buys like Vigil Neuroscience and Inhibrx—as it shifts focus from traditional pharmaceuticals to cutting-edge treatments in immunology and neurology.

6. What are contingent value rights (CVRs), and why are they part of this deal?

CVRs offer shareholders additional compensation if certain future milestones are met. In this case, Blueprint shareholders could receive $2 and $4 per share if BLU-808 hits its development and regulatory targets, providing upside potential.

7. Will this acquisition affect Sanofi’s financial flexibility?

Despite the high price tag, Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson has stated the company retains significant capacity for further acquisitions, signaling healthy balance sheet strength and a continued appetite for strategic investment.

8. What are the potential risks involved in the acquisition?

As with any biopharma deal, risks include regulatory delays, pipeline failures, or slower-than-expected market adoption. However, Ayvakit’s existing approval and revenue potential help mitigate near-term uncertainty.

9. How does this deal compare to other major healthcare transactions in 2025?

According to market data, this is one of the largest healthcare deals in Europe so far this year, reinforcing Sanofi’s aggressive M&A posture in a consolidating global biotech landscape.

10. What could this mean for competitors in the immunology space?

Sanofi’s deeper pipeline and expanded specialist network may intensify competition, especially in niche immunological markets. Rivals could respond with acquisitions or accelerated R&D to keep pace.