Takeda Pharmaceutical Acquires PvP Biologics

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Acquires Forge Biologics

November 13, 2023

Biotechnology

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. will acquire Forge Biologics in an all-cash transaction valued at $620 million, expanding Ajinomoto's gene therapy and plasmid/AAV manufacturing capabilities. Forge, a Columbus, Ohio–based viral vector and plasmid CDMO with a 200,000 sq ft cGMP facility and ~300+ employees, will become a consolidated subsidiary to accelerate global gene and cell therapy manufacturing capacity.

Bayer AG Acquires Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio)

October 26, 2020

Biotechnology

Bayer AG agreed to acquire U.S.-headquartered Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio), adding AskBio's AAV-based gene therapy platform, IP and CDMO manufacturing capabilities to Bayer’s emerging cell and gene therapy unit. Bayer will pay $2.0 billion upfront plus up to $2.0 billion in potential milestone payments; existing minority shareholders TPG Capital and Vida Ventures supported the transaction.

Takeda Acquires Adaptate Biotherapeutics

January 10, 2022

Biotechnology

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited has exercised its option to acquire Adaptate Biotherapeutics, a UK biotechnology spin-out focused on antibody-based γδ T cell engager therapies for solid tumors. The acquisition gives Takeda Adaptate’s antibody-based γδ T cell engager platform and preclinical pipeline to strengthen Takeda’s immuno-oncology capabilities and accelerate development of Vδ1‑targeting therapies.

Shionogi Inc. Acquires Qpex Biopharma, Inc.

June 26, 2023

Pharmaceuticals

Shionogi Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Shionogi & Co., Ltd., entered into a definitive agreement to acquire San Diego-based clinical-stage antimicrobial developer Qpex Biopharma, Inc. The acquisition (upfront $100 million plus up to $40 million in milestones) brings Qpex's investigational beta-lactamase inhibitor xeruborbactam and expands Shionogi's infectious disease R&D capabilities and pipeline.

Takeda Acquires GammaDelta Therapeutics

October 27, 2021

Biotechnology

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited has exercised its option to acquire GammaDelta Therapeutics Limited, obtaining the company's allogeneic Vδ1 γδ T cell therapy platforms and early-stage cell therapy programs. The acquisition, stemming from a multi-year collaboration begun in 2017, is for a pre-negotiated upfront payment plus potential milestone payments and is expected to close in Q1 of Takeda's fiscal 2022, subject to antitrust review.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited Acquires Maverick Therapeutics, Inc.

March 9, 2021

Biotechnology

Takeda exercised its option to acquire Maverick Therapeutics, obtaining Maverick's COBRA conditionally active bispecific T‑cell engager platform and lead development candidates (TAK‑186 and TAK‑280). The deal, based on a prior collaboration and equity stake, is structured for up to $525 million in upfront and potential milestone payments and will fold Maverick's R&D team into Takeda's organization.