Serbian-Rooted Dren Bio Acquired by Sanofi in $1.9B Landmark Deal
Dren Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Foster City, California, focused on developing antibody-based therapies for cancer, autoimmune, and other serious diseases . The company is best known for its proprietary platforms targeting pathogenic cells via enhanced antibody-dependent mechanisms and myeloid cell engagement.
In March 2025, Dren Bio made headlines with a landmark $1.9 billion acquisition deal by Sanofi. The French pharmaceutical giant acquired Dren Bio’s autoimmune disease program, DR-0201, a targeted bispecific myeloid cell activator. The therapy, which has demonstrated potent B-cell depletion in early clinical studies, is being investigated for applications across a range of autoimmune disorders and malignancies. The deal includes a $600 million upfront payment and potential milestone-based payouts totaling $1.3 billion.
This acquisition is a major milestone for the Serbian biotech ecosystem. Dren Bio was co-founded by Serbian scientists Nenad Tomašević (CEO) and Ivan Trifunović, who have maintained strong ties to their homeland. The company’s name, Dren , reflects its roots—named after the Serbian dogwood tree, known locally for its traditional health benefits.
Dren Bio is also conducting clinical trials in Serbia, with active sites in Belgrade, Kragujevac, Niš, and Sremska Kamenica. These efforts underline the company’s ongoing commitment to leveraging Serbian talent, infrastructure, and scientific legacy.
In recent years, Dren Bio also announced a strategic collaboration with Novartis, securing $150 million in combined upfront and equity investments to develop additional targeted myeloid engagers.
The sale to Sanofi is not only a major validation of Dren Bio’s science but also a pivotal moment for Serbian biotech on the global stage—highlighting the region’s rising profile in life sciences innovation.
Sources:
1. Sanofi Press Release – Sanofi to acquire Dren Bio’s DR-0201 program for up to $1.9B
2. LinkedIn Post by Ivan Kadic – Serbian biotech Dren Bio sold to Sanofi for $1.9bn
3. Dren Bio – Official Website
4. Clinical Trials Registry – DR-0201 Study Sites in Serbia (NCT06392477)
5. Kopaonik Business Forum – Ivan Trifunović Speaker Profile
