With $2.7B ArQule buyout, Merck is latest pharma to jump into Btk race

With its proposed acquisition of ArQule, Merck will join the ranks of at least three other pharmas adding Btk inhibitors to their portfolios while appearing to pay much less than its peers. The $2.7 billion deal also sets up a face-off with Eli Lilly: ArQule and Lilly each presented updated data for their next-generation programs at ASH showing comparable efficacy.

On Monday, Merck (NYSE:MRK) said it would acquire ArQule for $20 per share in cash, a 104% premium to the biotech’s closing price of $9.66 on Friday. ArQule shares rose $10.04 (104%) to $19.70 Monday. ...