STAT+: As its immunology work draws attention, Sanofi also pushes forward in rare disease

Back to news list

Source: STAT News

Original: https://www.statnews.com/2026/02/02/sanofi-venglustat-gaucher-rare-disease-neuro...

Published: Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Sanofi is developing an experimental drug for rare neurological diseases and plans to apply for approval.[1][2] The company has a strategic focus on rare diseases as part of its transformation in immunology and innovative medicine.[1][7] In recent years, Sanofi has invested in this area through acquisitions – in March 2023, it bought Provention Bio for $2.9 billion to bolster its type 1 diabetes portfolio.[1] The company also acquired the breakthrough drug VG-3927 for Alzheimer's patients, which will be tested in a phase 2 clinical trial.[2] This drug acts as an agonist of the TREM2 receptor, which activates microglia and promotes their ability to remove cellular waste and prevent inflammation.[2] Sanofi recognizes that the majority of patients with rare diseases still do not have access to treatment – ​​only five percent of rare diseases have an approved treatment in Europe.[4] This Sanofi strategy reflects its commitment to becoming a global leader in immunology and rare diseases.