Tidal Therapeutics is a private, preclinical stage biotechnology company. Its acquisition adds in vivo immune cell reprogramming and messenger RNA (mRNA) research technology to Sanofi's portfolio, the company said. In addition to the initial payment, Sanofi will pay Tidal up to $310 million as it achieves particular milestones.

Sanofi also announced that it is investing 400 million euros ($477 million U.S.) in a production site in Singapore to expand its vaccine manufacturing capability. The facility will contain a central unit that houses several fully digitalized modules that allow production of three to four vaccines simultaneously. The modular, flexible design will be able to leverage multiple vaccine manufacturing technology platforms based on different cell types. The carbon-neutral site is entering its design phase, and construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2021. It should be fully operational in 2026, Sanofi said.