Sanofi to Close Kiadis Division Amid Pipeline Prioritization

Sanofi has decided to shut down Kiadis, a natural killer (NK) cell company acquired for $357 million three and a half years ago, signaling a strategic pivot in its research and development focus. Initially bought for its promising NK cell therapies targeting acute myeloid leukemia, among other applications, Kiadis had been a critical player in Sanofi’s exploration of innovative cancer treatments and potential COVID-19 therapies.

The decision to close the Kiadis business rather than divest it was announced after Sanofi explored various options without finding a viable path forward. This move reflects Sanofi’s broader strategy to prioritize its pipeline and reallocate resources, notably shifting focus from oncology to immunology amidst a challenging R&D landscape marked by high costs and low clinical trial success rates in oncology.

Founded in 1997 and based in Amsterdam, Kiadis refocused its efforts on NK cell technology after discontinuing its lead T cell therapy in 2019. Sanofi’s acquisition aimed to accelerate the development of Kiadis’ NK cell products, benefiting patients with acute myeloid leukemia and exploring the therapies’ potential against COVID-19.

As Sanofi prepares to close Kiadis, it emphasizes support for the affected employees, partners, and the community, acknowledging the significant scientific contributions and expertise of the Kiadis team. This closure is part of Sanofi’s more extensive organizational restructuring, including separating its consumer health unit and a comprehensive review of its R&D pipeline to enhance efficiency and focus on areas with a higher probability of success and strategic alignment.

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[Source: Endpoints, April 9th, 2024]