GlaxoSmithKline already partners with Vectura on respiratory therapies, but some say the British pharma giant could be looking to take the pair’s relationship one step further.
Glaxo is preparing a 175-pence-per-share bid for the Chippenham, U.K.-based company, sources told The Telegraph. That offer would value Vectura at close to £1.2 billion.
If GSK does strike, it’ll be taking advantage of Vectura’s 2017 share price drop. In May, the FDA turned down a generic of GlaxoSmithKline blockbuster Advair from Vectura and partner Hikma, and investors have continued to pressure the stock as they await a final verdict from the regulatory agency, due this quarter, the newspaper notes.
And last week’s investment strategy update didn’t sit particularly well with shareholders, either. In it, Vectura said it would increase its focus on lower-risk pipeline development opportunities and “cease” investment in “relatively higher risk, novel molecule, early stage programs,” instead looking for partnerships in that arena.
Glaxo knows what it would be getting itself into with a Vectura buy. The drugmaker licensed Vectura’s technology for products such as Breo and Anoro, and Vectura boasts some “smart inhaler” technology that GSK may be interested in, too, The Telegraph notes.
While CEO Emma Walmsley has made clear that reviving Glaxo’s pharma portfolio is a top priority,, right now all eyes are on the company’s consumer unit—at least when it comes to M&A. GSK is weighing a bid for Pfizer’s on-the-block OTC division, along with rivals including Reckitt Benckiser.
By Carly Helfand
Source: Fierce Pharma
Novo Holdings has concluded the acquisition of all outstanding shares of commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company Paratek Pharmaceuticals for nearly $462m (€433.67m) to bolster its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) expertise. Paratek develops and commercialises new treatments for life-threatening ailments. Its speciality pharmaceutical platform aids in developing new therapeutics.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has signed a definitive agreement for the divestiture of a 75% stake in its division, Glenmark Life Sciences (GLS), to Indian company Nirma in a deal valued at Rs56.51bn ($679.85m). Glenmark Life Sciences focuses on producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).
Pierre-Alain Ruffieux, CEO of Lonza, will leave the Basel-based company at the end of September. According to the Swiss Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), the separation is by mutual agreement.
