Biogen Buys Desired Growth In Immunology With $1.15bn Hi-Bio Deal

Lead Drug Felzartamab Is Pipeline-In-A-Product

 
• By Mandy Jackson
  
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Known for its efforts in neurology, Biogen has been looking to make somewhat safer bets in immunology as it seeks to diversify and may achieve that with HI-Bio’s Phase III-ready felzartamab. 

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Biogen's HI-Bio buy merges immunology and rare disease capabilities • Source: Shutterstock

Biogen, Inc. has been on the hunt during the past few years for outside assets that can help diversify its largely neurology-focused portfolio, and CEO Chris Viehbacher has been adamant that the company should pursue opportunities in adjacent areas where it has experience, such as immunology and rare diseases. The acquisition of Human Immunology Biosciences, Inc. (HI-Bio) for $1.15bn up front announced on 22 May checks both therapeutic area boxes.

Key Takeaways

  • Biogen will pay $1.15bn for HI-Bio, primarily to acquire CD38-targeting felzartamab for immune-mediated diseases.

Biogen said it may distribute up to $650m in additional payments to HI-Bio shareholders upon achievement of undisclosed development milestones...

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