AstraZeneca Acquires Omniose to Strengthen Bacterial Vaccine Research

AstraZeneca has acquired Omniose, a US-based preclinical biotechnology company developing vaccines against serious bacterial infections. The acquisition will strengthen AstraZeneca’s vaccine research capabilities by adding Omniose’s specialised bioconjugation technology to its infectious disease portfolio.

Announced on November 10, 2026, the acquisition follows a three-year exclusive research collaboration between the two companies. Under the agreement, Omniose has become a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca and will operate as part of its Infectious Disease Unit.

The deal brings Omniose’s proprietary bioconjugation platform and scientific expertise into AstraZeneca’s existing vaccine research programmes. The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Omniose is developing polysaccharide conjugate vaccines designed to protect against serious bacterial infections. These vaccines work by linking bacterial sugars, known as polysaccharides, to carrier proteins to help the immune system recognise and fight infections.

Traditionally, this process involves several chemical steps to attach the two components. However, Omniose uses a different approach called bioconjugation, which allows the bacterial polysaccharide and engineered carrier protein to be produced and linked together inside a single bacterial cell.

This method could make vaccine production simpler and more precise. It may also help improve vaccine quality and make the manufacturing process more efficient compared with traditional chemical methods.

AstraZeneca believes the technology could support the development of new vaccines against serious bacterial infections, particularly as antimicrobial resistance continues to make infections harder to treat.

Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice President of Infectious Disease at AstraZeneca, said Omniose’s technology offers a different approach to developing conjugate vaccines. He added that the acquisition would strengthen the company’s ability to develop new vaccines against serious bacterial diseases.

Christian Harding, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder of Omniose, said the acquisition reflects the strong scientific relationship between the two companies. He believes joining AstraZeneca will give the technology a better opportunity to reach patients.

Timothy Cooke, CEO of Omniose, also described the acquisition as a positive step for both companies, highlighting their shared goal of developing new solutions for serious bacterial infections.

The acquisition adds to AstraZeneca’s efforts to expand its infectious disease research and vaccine development capabilities. By bringing Omniose’s technology and expertise in-house, the company aims to advance its preclinical vaccine programmes and explore new approaches to preventing bacterial infections.

With antimicrobial resistance becoming a growing global health concern, the addition of Omniose could support AstraZeneca’s long-term efforts to develop new ways to prevent serious bacterial diseases.