Another UK biotech has been swallowed up by a big pharma with Sanofi acquiring the Cambridge-based firm in a deal that could be worth almost $1.5bn.

Sanofi R&D head John Reed says the company has kept 95% of patients on its nearly 400 clinical trials, started 59 studies, and benefited from its in-house drug supply management.

Having been under GSK's umbrella since 1985, SR One is striking out on its own, having closed the largest first-time VC fund this year.

The French drugmaker's follow up to Myozyme – avalglucosidase alfa – is in line for a potential US approval by May next year after the US FDA agreed to a speedy review of the enzyme replacement therapy, unlike its European counterparts.