Ablynx, a Sanofi company, is a biopharmaceutical company renowned for its pioneering work in the discovery and development of Nanobodies®, a novel class of proprietary therapeutic proteins based on single-domain antibody fragments. Founded in 2001 as a spin-off from VIB and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Ablynx developed a strong pipeline in areas such as immunology, hematology, and oncology. In 2018, Sanofi acquired Ablynx for €3.9 billion, integrating its innovative Nanobody® platform to enhance Sanofi's R&D capabilities in biologics. The Ghent site remains a crucial center of excellence for Nanobody® research and development within Sanofi's global network, contributing to the development of next-generation therapies for various diseases.
Primary research and development hub for Sanofi's Nanobody® platform, focusing on discovery, engineering, and early development of novel antibody-based therapeutics.
State-of-the-art laboratories within a major European life sciences cluster (Flanders Biobased Valley/Technologiepark Zwijnaarde), fostering collaboration and innovation.
Highly scientific and innovative environment, integrated into Sanofi's global R&D culture, emphasizing teamwork, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to developing transformative medicines.
Original birthplace and global center of excellence for Nanobody® technology, a unique and versatile platform for drug development acquired by Sanofi for its strategic importance in biologics R&D.
As an integral part of Sanofi, Ablynx's innovative Nanobody® technology and the therapeutics derived from it contribute to Sanofi's extensive global R&D pipeline and commercial portfolio. This enables the reach of these advancements to patients worldwide. Sanofi operates in over 100 countries, supporting global clinical trials, manufacturing, and commercialization of medicines, including those originating from the Ablynx platform developed in Ghent.
Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 21
Ghent
East Flanders
Belgium
Address: Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 21, 9052 Ghent
Acts as Sanofi's center of excellence for Nanobody® research, leveraging the strong biotech ecosystem in Flanders, Belgium, to drive innovation for Sanofi's global therapeutic pipeline. No other distinct 'Ablynx-branded' office locations exist; further global operational support is integrated within Sanofi's worldwide network.
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As of April 2025, Ablynx' leadership includes:
Ablynx has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:
Since its full integration into Sanofi, executive leadership for Ablynx's former operations is managed within Sanofi's global R&D structure. A significant recent change was the appointment of Dr. Houman Ashrafian as Sanofi's new Head of Research & Development in September 2023, who oversees all R&D activities, including those at the Ghent research site (formerly Ablynx). This followed the transition of the previous R&D head.
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Following its acquisition by Sanofi, employees at the former Ablynx site, now a Sanofi research center, use Sanofi's corporate email system. The most common email format for Sanofi globally is [first].[last]@sanofi.com.
[first].[last]@sanofi.com
Format
john.doe@sanofi.com
Example
85%
Success rate
Sanofi Press Release • December 7, 2023
During its R&D Day, Sanofi showcased its strategic priorities and progress in its research and development pipeline. The company emphasized its commitment to leveraging innovative platforms, including Nanobody® technology originating from Ablynx, to develop differentiated medicines. Several Nanobody-derived molecules are advancing in development for immunological and other serious diseases....more
Sanofi Press Release • April 25, 2024
Sanofi reported its first-quarter 2024 financial results, highlighting strong performance in its Specialty Care business. Cablivi® (caplacizumab), a Nanobody-based medicine developed by Ablynx (now part of Sanofi) for the treatment of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP), continues to contribute to this growth, demonstrating the ongoing value of the Nanobody platform....more
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