Astellas Pharma Acquires Xyphos Biosciences

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.

Ipsen Acquires Albireo Pharma

January 9, 2023

Biotechnology

Ipsen has agreed to acquire Albireo Pharma in a cash tender offer of $42.00 per share plus a contingent value right (CVR) tied to FDA approval in biliary atresia, in a transaction intended to expand Ipsen's Rare Disease portfolio. The acquisition brings Albireo's approved pediatric liver drug Bylvay (odevixibat) and a pipeline of bile-acid modulators into Ipsen's global R&D and commercial capabilities.

Merck & Co., Inc. Acquires VelosBio Inc.

November 5, 2020

Biotechnology

Merck & Co., Inc. will acquire all outstanding shares of clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company VelosBio for $2.75 billion in cash. The acquisition adds VelosBio's lead investigational antibody-drug conjugate VLS-101 and ROR1-directed pipeline assets to Merck's oncology portfolio and is expected to close by the end of 2020, subject to customary conditions.

Axol Bioscience Acquires Phenocell

October 21, 2024

Biotechnology

Axol Bioscience Ltd. has fully acquired Phenocell SAS, adding Phenocell’s iPSC-derived skin and retinal cell lines and custom bioassay services to Axol’s drug discovery product portfolio. The acquisition expands Axol’s capabilities into ophthalmology and dermatology (including AMD and cosmetics testing); financial terms were not disclosed.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Acquires Alpine Immune Sciences

April 10, 2024

Biotechnology

Vertex Pharmaceuticals will acquire Alpine Immune Sciences for $65 per share (approximately $4.9 billion) in cash. The acquisition adds Alpine’s lead candidate povetacicept (ALPN‑303) and protein-engineering/immunotherapy capabilities to Vertex’s pipeline and is expected to close in Q2 2024, subject to customary conditions.

AstraZeneca Acquires Icosavax

December 12, 2023

Biotechnology

AstraZeneca has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Icosavax, a Seattle-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, in a cash tender offer valuing the deal at approximately $0.8bn upfront and up to $1.1bn including contingent payments. The acquisition brings Icosavax's virus‑like particle (VLP) platform and Phase III‑ready combination RSV/hMPV vaccine candidate IVX‑A12 into AstraZeneca's Vaccines & Immune Therapies late‑stage pipeline to strengthen respiratory vaccine capabilities for older adults and vulnerable populations.