- In July 2024, GSK and CureVac announced a restructured collaboration, transforming it into a licensing agreement. GSK acquires full global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize mRNA vaccines for influenza and COVID-19, including combinations. CureVac receives €400 million upfront, with up to €1.05 billion in milestones and royalties. The agreement replaces previous financial terms and allows CureVac to retain rights to additional infectious disease targets. This partnership strengthens GSK’s mRNA capabilities for developing next-generation vaccines, leveraging CureVac’s technology and GSK’s expertise. Completion of the agreement is pending regulatory approvals
- In November 2023, BioNTech acquired AexeRNA, a company specializing in mRNA delivery technology, continuing its strategy of seeking bolt-on acquisitions. AexeRNA focuses on developing mRNA therapeutics using its proprietary Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system, a technology developed at the University of Pennsylvania and George Mason University. BioNTech's acquisition aligns with its ongoing investment in novel mRNA delivery technologies
- In January 2023, two major mRNA developers, Moderna and BioNTech, made significant acquisitions. Moderna is acquiring OriCiro Genomics, a Japan-based company specializing in cell-free DNA synthesis and amplification technology, for $85 million. Meanwhile, BioNTech is purchasing the London-based company InstaDeep for $439 million, with the potential for up to $243 million in milestone payments. This acquisition will enable BioNTech to utilize InstaDeep's artificial intelligence and machine learning platforms to advance the discovery and development of immunotherapies and vaccines
- In September 2021, Sanofi completed its acquisition of Translate Bio, enhancing its mRNA capabilities for developing new vaccines and therapies. The acquisition strengthens Sanofi's mRNA Center of Excellence, focusing on immunology, oncology, and rare diseases
- In February 22, 2021, Arcturus Therapeutics acquired an exclusive license from Alexion Pharmaceuticals for patent-pending nucleic acid purification technologies. This acquisition allows Arcturus to scale up and accelerate mRNA production with higher purity, supporting its development of mRNA therapeutics for infectious diseases, liver, and respiratory rare diseases. Arcturus has been building proprietary expertise in RNA manufacturing since its founding in 2013 and now extends its intellectual property portfolio
