Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi) (STO: SOBI) announced a definitive agreement to acquire Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc., a San Diego‑based biotech incubated by Viva Biotech (HKG: 1873), for USD 950 million upfront plus up to USD 550 million in milestones. The deal, valued at up to $1.5 billion, is expected to close in H1 2026 and adds pozdeutinurad (AR882), a Phase 3 URAT1 inhibitor for progressive gout, to Sobi’s specialty care portfolio.
Transaction Overview
Component
Details
Upfront Payment
USD 950 million (cash)
Milestone Payments
Up to USD 550 million (clinical, regulatory, sales)
Total Deal Value
Up to USD 1.5 billion
Target Company
Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc. (San Diego, CA)
Lead Asset
Pozdeutinurad (AR882) – Phase 3 URAT1 inhibitor for gout
Best‑in‑class potential vs. existing urate‑lowering therapies
Market Opportunity
Global gout market exceeds $3 billion; severe gout patients underserved
Viva Biotech Role & Ongoing Collaboration
Aspect
Details
Incubation
Viva Biotech incubated Arthrosi with investment participation
Expected Return
Up to USD 40 million (contingent on regulatory/commercial milestones)
CDMO Agreement
Arthrosi signed new SOW with Viva’s Langhua Pharma for API supply
Continued Partnership
Langhua Pharma to continue business collaboration post‑acquisition
Strategic Implications
For Sobi: Strengthens specialty care portfolio in metabolic/rheumatology; adds late‑stage asset with blockbuster potential; expands US R&D footprint.
For Viva: Successful exit validates incubation model; up to $40M return enhances investment income; Langhua secures long‑term API supply contract.
For Market: URAT1 inhibitors represent next‑generation gout therapy; pozdeutinurad’s Phase 3 data could challenge existing agents and expand treatable population.
Forward‑Looking Statements This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding closing timeline, milestone achievements, and market projections. Actual results may differ due to regulatory delays, competitive responses, or clinical outcomes.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube 