Sanofi gears up for 2025-26 flu season with FDA strains

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. - Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY), a global healthcare leader with a market capitalization of over $101 billion and impressive year-over-year revenue growth of nearly 11%, has announced the integration of influenza strains selected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into its vaccine production for the 2025-26 flu season in the United States. This move comes as the country grapples with one of the most severe flu seasons in recent history, with high rates of hospitalization and significant mortality.

The company, recognized as a world leader in flu vaccines and currently trading near its 52-week high with a strong price-to-earnings ratio of 8.03, has already begun its annual vaccine production to ensure a robust supply is available for the upcoming season. According to InvestingPro data, Sanofi has demonstrated remarkable market performance with a 51.79% return over the past year. The FDA’s selected strains align with those Sanofi has used in its manufacturing process, aimed at protecting eligible patients against the flu and its potentially severe complications.

Sanofi plans to commence shipping of flu vaccines this summer, enabling health systems, hospitals, pharmacies, physician practices, nursing homes, and other facilities to start vaccinations at the onset of the next flu season. Thomas Grenier, Head of Vaccines for North America at Sanofi, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "The US is weathering one of its most severe flu seasons in decades, underscoring the need to protect people against seasonal influenza infection."

The current flu season has seen a decline in vaccination rates, contributing to the crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been 40 million flu illnesses, 520,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths through the week ending March 1. Public health authorities continue to recommend annual flu vaccinations for everyone six months of age and older.

Sanofi’s flu vaccine portfolio for the 2025-26 season will include FLUZONE® High-Dose, FLUBLOK® and FLUZONE®, catering to a wide age range. These vaccines are indicated for the prevention of disease caused by influenza strains contained in the vaccines, with specific age recommendations for each product.

While the company strives to provide life-saving vaccine protection, it also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in its operations. Sanofi is listed on both EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY, offering investors a steady dividend yield of 2.58%. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently trading at Fair Value, with 12 additional exclusive ProTips available to subscribers. For deeper insights into Sanofi’s financial health and market position, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, part of the extensive analysis available for over 1,400 top US stocks.

This announcement is based on a press release statement and reflects Sanofi’s commitment to addressing public health needs by preparing for the upcoming flu season with FDA-recommended vaccine strains.

In other recent news, Banco Santander has announced a substantial investment plan of over $2 billion in Mexico over the next three years. This move underscores the bank’s commitment to expanding its digital banking platform, Openbank, in the region. Meanwhile, Citi analysts have raised their price target for Banco Santander to €7.20, maintaining a Buy rating, following earnings upgrades in key markets like Spain and the United States. The bank’s strategic focus on capital repatriation, including a planned €3.5 billion share buyback, is expected to enhance shareholder value.

In related developments, Fitch Ratings upgraded Santander’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating to ’A’ and affirmed the ratings of its Mexican subsidiary, reflecting the bank’s strong financial position. The outlook remains stable, indicating confidence in Santander’s ability to support its subsidiaries. Additionally, European trade tensions have impacted banking stocks, with Santander experiencing a decline due to its exposure to the Mexican market amid U.S. tariff impositions.

These recent developments highlight Banco Santander’s strategic efforts to bolster its presence in Mexico while navigating global trade challenges.

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