Ireland-based Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc is to expand its presence in the epilepsy field with the acquisition of privately-held Actio Biosciences of San Diego, US, which has a clinical-stage product for a rare genetic epilepsy. In parallel, Jazz will take a minority stake in a spin-out of Actio, which will develop a cluster of rare disease products.
The immediate transaction, which includes an upfront payment of $820 million and possible milestone payments of up to $500 million, involves the acquisition of ABS-1230, a clinical stage product for epilepsy owned by Actio. This is a small molecule inhibitor of an overactive ion channel that affects the chemical and electrical balance of cells. It is caused by a mutation in the KCNT1 gene. KCNT1+ epilepsy is estimated to affect 2,500 patients in the US.
In an early clinical proof-of-concept trial of children with the disease, ABS-1230, showed meaningful reductions of seizures, according to Jazz. There are currently no US Food and Drug Administration approved therapies for KCNT1+ epilepsy. In light of this, the agency has awarded multiple incentives for the development of the product. These include fast track, rare paediatric disease, and orphan drug designations. ABS-1230 has also been accepted into a new FDA programme supporting prospective ultra-rare disease therapies. This programme is called RDEP for rare disease evidence principles.
The new spin-out company, which will include certain existing Actio Biosciences managers, employees and assets, will focus on the development of products for genetic rare neurological diseases. These include a clinical-stage small molecule inhibitor of the protein channel TRPV4 and a product for Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2C, a rare inherited nerve disorder. Currently, Jazz has marketed products for epilepsy, sleep disorders, and cancers. In a statement, the company said that its stake in the spin-out company “represents a strong strategic fit” for the company’s long-term strategy.”
Copyright 2026 Evernow Publishing Ltd