Japan-based Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (TYO: 4528) has announced that it has reached an agreement to fully acquire US-based Deciphera Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: DCPH). According to Ono’s press release, the acquisition will involve Ono purchasing all outstanding shares of Deciphera for USD 25.60 per share in cash, which values the transaction at approximately USD 2.4 billion. This purchase price represents a 74.7% premium over Deciphera’s closing price on April 26, 2024.
The acquisition is strategically focused on broadening Ono’s portfolio and expanding its commercial presence in global markets, with a particular emphasis on the US and Europe. Deciphera specializes in the development of small-molecule targeted therapies for cancer. The company’s leading product is the KIT inhibitor Qinlock (ripretinib), which has received approval in over 40 markets, including the US, Europe, and China, for the treatment of fourth-line gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Greater China rights to Qinlock were licensed to Zai Lab in a deal inked in 2019, worth up to USD 205 million, and Zai Lab secured the first China mainland approval for the drug in 2021.
Deciphera is also developing vimseltinib, a CSF-1R inhibitor, which is in the late stages of development. The drug has recently met its primary and secondary endpoints in the Phase III MOTION trial for patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), with regulatory filings planned for the US and EU in the second and third quarters of 2024, respectively. Deciphera has already established commercial operations in the US and key European countries to facilitate the distribution of Qinlock, and these operations are also expected to support vimseltinib if it gains approval.- Flcube.com
