Two UK speciality pharmaceutical companies, Sinclair Pharma Plc and IS Pharma Plc, have reached agreement on the terms of an all-share merger that will create a new UK-based speciality pharma business with product distribution throughout Europe.
Privately-held Astex Therapeutics Ltd of the UK has agreed to be acquired by the California-based oncology drug developer SuperGen Inc to create a new publicly-listed entity with a combined clinical pipeline of eight products.
Merck & Co has reached agreement to acquire the US speciality pharmaceutical company, Inspire Pharmaceuticals Inc, for $430 million. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.
Evolva Holding SA of Switzerland, which specialises in synthetic biology, has announced plans to acquire the US venture-capital backed Abunda Nutrition Inc in an all-share transaction valued at approximately CHF 40.5 million (€31.3 million).
MDxHealth SA, the Belgian molecular diagnostics company, is intending to raise at least €6 million with a private placement of its shares managed jointly by Kempen & Co and Nomura Code Securities.
Qiagen NV, the Netherlands-based diagnostic group, has made a bid equivalent to $355 million to acquire Cellestis Ltd of Australia and its ‘pre-molecular’ technology for detecting diseases early.
Sanofi-Aventis SA said that its offer for Genzyme Corp has been accepted by shareholders representing 84.6% of the company’s common stock and approximately 77% of shares on a fully-diluted basis, giving the French company full control.
Algeta ASA and Genzyme Corp (Sanofi-Aventis) have announced plans to jointly explore the use of the Norwegian company’s radiopharmaceutical platform to enhance the ability of a Genzyme monoclonal antibody to target and kill cancer.
Acacia Pharma Ltd, which specialises in drugs for cancer supportive care, has raised $10 million in a Series A financing round supported by the new investor, Lundbeckfond Ventures. Gilde Healthcare also participated in the round.
Newron Pharmaceuticals SpA has reached a licensing agreement with Merck Serono to investigate the potential of two Merck clinical-stage compounds for disorders of the central nervous system. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.