ARTICLE | Deals
In $4.9B Alpine deal, Vertex sees best-in-class therapy with room for label expansions
Buyer believes povetacicept can outshine others in BAFF/APRIL class, even if not first to market — and can become a pipeline-in-a-product
April 12, 2024 1:44 AM UTC
Vertex’s $4.9 billion acquisition of Alpine hinges on its belief that it is obtaining a mid-stage program that will turn out to be the best in an emerging class of BAFF/APRIL inhibitors to treat IgA nephropathy, and perhaps other immunologic diseases.
The decision by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VRTX) to buy Alpine Immune Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:ALPN) for $65 per share will add povetacicept to its pipeline ahead of a Phase III trial due to begin next half, augmenting a growing kidney disease franchise that could help diversify Vertex’s business beyond its strong-selling cystic fibrosis drugs...