Ipsen Acquires Epizyme in Initial Deal Worth $247 Million
Ipsen is expanding its cancer drug portfolio with the purchase of Epizyme for $247 million, gaining access to the company’s chemotherapy-free EZH2 inhibitor, Tazverik (tazemetostat).
Tazverik was granted Accelerated Approval by the FDA in 2020 for certain forms of follicular lymphoma and for metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma.
The oral treatment does not kill cancer cells directly. Instead, it targets a protein called EZH2 that is found in many cells in the body and can lead to the growth of tumors.
Ipsen plans to seek FDA approval for the drug in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide for second-line follicular lymphoma.
Ipsen will also acquire Epizyme’s investigational oral SETD2 inhibitor, EZM0414, which was granted FDA Fast Track status and is currently under evaluation in a phase I/Ib trial in adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Ipsen CEO David Loew said: “Through this agreement, we will expand our assets in oncology. Ipsen’s capabilities and resources in oncology combined with Epizyme’s will accelerate the growth of Tazverik to achieve its full potential in follicular lymphoma patients.
“The strength of data support Tazverik’s positioning in patients with both EZH2 mutation positive and wild-type follicular lymphoma.
“Furthermore, we are excited to bring on board epigenetic expertise and the SETD2 inhibitor, as well as several pre-clinical compounds into our portfolio.”
The boards of directors of both the companies have approved the deal unanimously.
The transaction, which is subject to the satisfaction of all closing conditions, is expected to conclude by the end of the third quarter of this year.
June 29, 2022
