A review of the E.mbrace phase 3 study conducted by an independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) has determined that Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine candidate for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli was not sufficiently effective at preventing invasive E. coli disease (IED) compared to placebo. No safety signals related to the vaccine candidate were identified, and throughout the study, investigators ensured that participants who developed IED received prompt treatment and care. As a result of the IDMC’s determination, the E.mbrace study is being discontinued.

In October 2023, Sanofi entered into an agreement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Janssen), a Johnson & Johnson company to develop and commercialize the vaccine candidate.

About the Study

The E.mbrace study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, interventional phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of a single dose of the vaccine candidate compared to a placebo in the prevention of IED, which includes sepsis and bacteremia (blood infections). The study was initiated in June 2021 enrolling adults aged 60 years or older in stable health with a history of urinary tract infection in the past two years.

“E. coli sepsis is a devastating disease and there are no preventative measures available to date. Driven by our ambition to transform the practice of medicine, we entered this ambitious although challenging field,” remarked Jean-François Toussaint, Global Head of Research and Development Vaccines, Sanofi. “We are disappointed to see that the vaccine was not associated with sufficient efficacy to support the trial continuation, and we will work tirelessly to understand the factors behind the IDMC’s finding and to share further analysis once available.”

“While disappointed by this outcome, we remain steadfast in our commitment to drive innovation in R&D by developing first and best-in-class vaccines in areas of high unmet need,” he added.

As a result of the discontinuation, Sanofi has recorded an impairment charge before tax of $250 million in the Q4 2024 IFRS results.