US-based BioCryst Pharmaceuticals and Idera Pharmaceuticals have entered a definitive merger agreement focused on the development and commercialisation of medicines for patients with rare diseases.

To be renamed and led by Idera CEO Vincent Milano upon closing, the combined entity is set to leverage collective skills sets, internal expertise and assets to form a sustainable biotechnology company.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The synergistic discovery engines of the firms, with different research technologies and expertise, are expected to expand the therapeutic targets and candidates.

Their development pipeline currently comprises four late-stage programmes, BCX7353 capsule for prophylactic treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE), IMO-2125 to treat PD1-refractory melanoma, IMO-8400 for dermatomyositis and liquid BCX7353 for acute treatment of HAE.

Milano said: “The new company will have a robust late-stage pipeline with two Phase III candidates and two Phase II candidates, with several important catalysts for these programmes anticipated in 2018.

“We believe we will be well positioned to bring that portfolio to market with our proven commercial leadership team and business development opportunities.”

“We believe we will be well positioned to bring that portfolio to market with our proven commercial leadership team and business development opportunities.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

It is estimated that the combine company will hold a financial strength of $243m net cash balance, with potential to boost the funding for clinical development, commercial launch and business development.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals president and CEO Jon Stonehouse said: “Combining our respective pipelines, infrastructures and financial resources should enable the new company to grow faster, deliver for patients more rapidly and ultimately create sustainable shareholder value well beyond what either would achieve separately.”

The deal, which is subject to stockholder, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close during the second quarter of this year.