Britain's AstraZeneca is to acquire Amolyt Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel treatments for rare endocrine diseases, more than $1 billion.
US biopharma Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical has opened a gene therapy manufacturing facility in Bedford, Massachusetts, USA. The company said it is one of the first in the US with complete end-to-end gene therapy capabilities, from R&D through to therapeutic production at scale.
Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) has agreed a merger with CTI BioPharma, a US biopharmaceutical company focused on blood-related cancers and rare diseases. Through a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary, Sobi plans to commence a cash tender offer that values CTI at $1.7 billion.
Italian biopharma Chiesi has completed its acquisition of Irish rare disease drugmaker Amryt Pharma. The deal, which was originally announced in January, could be worth up to €1.4 billion for Amryt if certain milestones are met for its epidermolysis bullosa (EB) drug Filsuvez.
Amgen has agreed to buy Horizon Therapeutics for $28.3 billion including debt, boosting its portfolio of drugs for rare autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and beating rivals Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson, as well as a fourth unnamed company.
German CDMO Evotec is to acquire compatriot company Central Glass Germany from Japanese owner Central Glass for a nominal price of €1. The transaction, which remains subject to the usual closing conditions, is expected to complete on Nov. 1.
