Rare disease specialist, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, is buying Sweden’s Wilson Therapeutics for US$855 m (AU$1.1 bn). The acquisition is through a cash tender offer and represents a premium of 70 % compared to the previous day’s closing share price and a 120% premium to the shareprice at the commencement of the year.
Wilson’s lead drug (which appears to be its single asset) is currently in Phase 3 development. WTX101 is an oral treatment for Wilson disease, a rare, inherited disorder that causes liver and neurologic problems. Wilson disease affects approximately 10,000 patients in the US and 15,000 in the EU. There are currently two treatments for the disorder sold by Teva and Valeant, but both are exorbitantly priced (Valeant’s is priced at ~$300,000 per year). WTX101 is viewed as an improvement over these treatments. It has received fast-track designation in the US, and also has orphan drug status in both the U.S. and EU.
Wilson had previously said that it was well capitalized through Phase 3 with $60 million in funds. The trial, which enrolled its first patient in February, will take place over 12 months and will compare WTX101 with existing treatments.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...snaps-up-wilson-for-855-million-idUSKBN1HI236
https://www.statnews.com/2018/04/11...ch-855-million-broaden-rare-disease-pipeline/
https://www.wilsontherapeutics.com/en/
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