Sanofi has completed its $3.68-billion acquisition of Principia Biopharma, a South San Francisco, California-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on immune-mediated diseases. Sanofi had announced the acquisition in late August (August 2020).

Principia Biopharma is developing Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. BTK is present in the signaling pathways of key innate and adaptive cell types of the immune system. Being able to block or disrupt these signaling processes can help in stopping inflammation and tissue destruction related to autoimmune diseases and target some of the underlying pathophysiology, according to information from the companies.

Principia Biopharma’s lead candidate is rilzabrutinib in Phase III development for treating a rare autoimmune disease, pemphigus, which causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. A Phase III program for immune thrombocytopenia, a disease that causes high risk for bleeding events, is expected to be initiated by the end of 2020. The company also has an ongoing Phase II program for IgG4-related diseases, which is driven by chronic inflammation, immune cell infiltration, and fibrosis within organs that can lead to severe morbidity.

Its other drug candidates include BTK inhibitor ‘168, in which the company has initiated Phase III enrollment for treating multiple sclerosis. Another BTK inhibitor, PRN473 Topical, is a topical agent currently in Phase I trials and is being developed for immune-mediated diseases that could benefit from localized application to the skin.

With the closing of the acquisition, Principia Biopharma is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanofi.

Source: Sanofi