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In a major biopharma move aimed at solidifying its presence in the rare disease treatment space, France’s Sanofi announced Monday that it will acquire Blueprint Medicines, a Massachusetts-based biotechnology company, for $9.1 billion in equity value. The acquisition marks one of the largest biotech takeovers of the year and is a clear signal of Sanofi’s ambition to accelerate growth in precision medicine and rare immunological disorders.

Deal Highlights: A Strategic Investment in Rare Diseases

At the heart of the deal is Blueprint’s flagship therapy Ayvakit (marketed as Ayvakyt in the EU), a targeted treatment for advanced systemic mastocytosis (ASM) and indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM)—two rare and debilitating hematologic disorders caused by abnormal mast cell accumulation in various organs.

Ayvakit was granted FDA approval in the U.S. in 2020 for ASM and later in 2021 for ISM, while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave it the green light in the EU. Analysts estimate the drug could generate annual revenues exceeding $1.2 billion globally by 2028, given the lack of strong competitors in the segment and increasing diagnoses of the condition.

Why Blueprint? Sanofi’s Push into Precision Medicine

Blueprint Medicines, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Cambridge, MA, has carved a niche in developing kinase inhibitors for genomically defined cancers and blood disorders. Aside from Ayvakit, the company also has a pipeline of early-stage candidates aimed at treating rare genetic and oncological conditions.

Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson described the acquisition as “a pivotal step in our long-term strategy to lead in immunology and precision therapies.” The acquisition aligns with Sanofi’s broader vision of moving beyond traditional pharmaceuticals into high-impact areas such as rare diseases, immunotherapy, and oncology.

“This deal not only gives us an FDA-approved blockbuster candidate but also a cutting-edge R&D team and technology platform,” Hudson said in a statement. “It’s a win for our patients and our shareholders.”

Financial Details and Market Reaction

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will acquire all outstanding shares of Blueprint Medicines for $132 per share in cash, a premium of approximately 38% over Blueprint’s last closing price. The deal is expected to close by Q4 2025, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.

The acquisition will be financed through a combination of existing cash reserves and new debt issuance, Sanofi confirmed. As of Q1 2025, the company holds €14.6 billion ($15.8 billion) in cash and equivalents and has been actively restructuring its portfolio to focus on higher-growth assets.

Investors responded positively, with Sanofi shares climbing 3.2% on the Paris Stock Exchange following the announcement. Blueprint Medicines’ stock soared 36% in pre-market U.S. trading.

Industry Context: Pharma Eyes Rare Disease Goldmine

The global rare disease treatment market is projected to surpass $340 billion by 2030, driven by a surge in genetic diagnostics, orphan drug incentives, and a growing number of targeted therapies. More than 7,000 rare diseases affect over 400 million people worldwide, yet 90% of them lack an FDA-approved treatment.

This acquisition positions Sanofi in direct competition with other industry leaders like Roche, Novartis, and AstraZeneca, who have all ramped up rare disease acquisitions in recent years. Sanofi has been particularly active since spinning off its consumer healthcare unit, acquiring Principia Biopharma for $3.7 billion in 2020 and Kadmon for $1.9 billion in 2021.

What’s Next for Sanofi and Blueprint?

With the deal expected to close by year-end, Sanofi plans to integrate Blueprint’s operations into its U.S. specialty care division, where Ayvakit will receive expanded commercial support. The merger is also likely to accelerate clinical trials for other Blueprint candidates, including BLU-945, an investigational therapy for non-small cell lung cancer, and BLU-263, aimed at allergic and mast cell disorders.

Blueprint’s current CEO, Kate Haviland, is expected to join Sanofi in a senior executive role to oversee the rare disease and oncology integration.

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Sanofi’s $9.1 billion acquisition of Blueprint Medicines is not just a strategic buy—it’s a bold bet on the future of precision healthcare. With Ayvakit already approved and a promising pipeline in hand, this deal could transform Sanofi’s rare disease portfolio and reshape the competitive dynamics in the global biopharmaceutical industry.