Merck purchases Acceleron Pharma for $11.5 billion

Pharma heavyweight Merck & Co. has successfully completed the acquisition of Acceleron Pharma Inc. for $180 per share in cash, and a total equity value of approximately $11.5 billion.

Acceleron, a biopharma company that prioritizes the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutics, is focused on exploring and using the strength of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily of proteins that plays a role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and repair. The firm says that its lead therapeutic candidate, sotatercept, has a novel mechanism of action with the potential to improve short-term and/or long-term clinical outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a blood vessel disorder. Sotatercept is currently in Phase 3 trials as an add-on to current standard of care for the treatment of PAH.

“This is an important and strategic opportunity for our company to continue growing our cardiovascular portfolio and pipeline, that builds on our long and proud legacy in cardiovascular disease, and further bolsters our business development strategy,” notes Rob Davis, Merck’s CEO and president. “Fueled by Acceleron’s groundbreaking research, we are excited to explore the opportunities and possibilities ahead to reach even more patients by addressing this critical health need.”