31.07.2023 • NewsAstraZenecaAlexion PharmaceuticalsPfizer

AstraZeneca Acquires Early-stage Gene Therapies from Pfizer

Alexion, AstraZeneca's rare disease division, has agreed to buy a portfolio of preclinical gene therapy programs and enabling technologies from competitor Pfizer for up to $1 billion, plus tiered royalties on sales.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023, subject to the completion of closing conditions.

Through the deal, Alexion will receive a series of novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids used to deliver of therapeutic gene carriers for gene therapy and gene editing, the company said, expanding its joint genomic medicine capabilities with AstraZeneca.

Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca acquired US biotech Alexion for $39 billion in 2021. It focuses on rare diseases and plans to close the deal with Pfizer in the third quarter. Last October, AstraZeneca also bought US-based gene therapy developer LogicBio Therapeutics for $68 million.

Marc Dunoyer, CEO of Alexion, said: “Today’s announcement represents another major step forward in Alexion and AstraZeneca’s ambition to be an industry leader in genomic medicine, which has potential to be transformative and even curative for patients with devastating diseases.”

According to AstraZeneca, there are more than 7,000 known rare diseases, and around 80% of rare diseases are believed to be caused by a genetic mutation. Genomic medicines are designed to treat or cure these diseases by addressing the malfunctioning gene. This can be done through addition, alteration or inactivation of the gene to help the body fight the disease.

© AVAVA/Shutterstock
© AVAVA/Shutterstock

Company

Logo:

AstraZeneca

Byggrad 2/4
15185 Södertälje
Sweden

Company contact







Innovation Pitch

The Start-up Platform for Chemistry & Life Sciences
Discover Tomorrow’s Innovators

The Start-up Platform for Chemistry & Life Sciences

CHEManager Innovation Pitch supports innovation in the chemistry and life sciences start-up scene. The platform allows founders, young entrepreneurs, and start-ups to present their companies to the industry.

Interview

Stability in Motion
Strategic Response to a Shifting Pharma Landscape

Stability in Motion

Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Management and President Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, discusses navigating external volatility, reshaping its internal structures, and investing in future-ready capabilities to ensure sustainable growth.

most read

Photo
28.07.2025 • NewsChemistry

VCI Welcomes US-EU Customs Deal

The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) welcomes the fact that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and US President Donald Trump have averted the danger of a trade war for the time being.