Big Pharma Is Back in the Headlines

Big Pharma Is Back in the Headlines

It looks like some big pharma companies want to get their holiday shopping done early this year. Two transactions with values north of $1 billion were announced in late November, stimulating a sector that’s been relatively quiet the past few months. The first might not come as a surprise since it’s been circling the rumor mill for some time. Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) announced the acquisition of The Medicines Company (NASDAQ: MDCO) for $9.7 billion, or $85 per share. The deal value is comprised of a 24% premium over MDCO’s November 22, 2019 closing price of $68.55, as well as the company’s outstanding stock options and convertible debt. MDCO is focused on treating... Read More »
Deal of the Week: Melinta/The Medicines Co.’s Antibiotics

Deal of the Week: Melinta/The Medicines Co.’s Antibiotics

As part of a previously announced restructuring plan, The Medicines Company (NASDAQ: MDCO) is selling its infectious disease business unit in order to double-down on its promising drug candidate, inclisiran. The drug is currently in Phase 3 development, and completion is expected in the second half of 2019. That’s a long way away, and MDCO needs “sufficient cash and liquidity” to reach the goal line. That’s why, on November 29, the company announced an agreement to sell its infectious disease business unit, including three marketed antibiotics, Vabomere, Orbactiv® and Minocin IV. Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MLNT), the buyer, will pay $540 million, as well as... Read More »
Werfen Life Divests to Focus on the Hemostasis Market

Werfen Life Divests to Focus on the Hemostasis Market

The growing prevalence of autoimmune and blood disorders has put a spotlight on the science of hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding and keeping blood within the damaged blood vessel. The coagulation/hemostasis analyzer market is expected to reach $4.84 billion by 2021, according to a report from MarketsandMarkets. Among the products, clinical laboratory analyzers are expected to account for the largest share of the market. Some big name players are already strengthening their hemostasis portfolios. In December 2015, Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK) purchased a global portfolio of three hemostasis products from The Medicines Company (NASDAQ: MDCO) for an upfront payment of $175... Read More »