Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) has entered into an agreement and plan of merger with CTI BioPharma (CTI) under which Sobi has agreed to acquire CTI, by means of a tender offer.
Sobi is to commence a cash tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of CTI for USD 9.10 per share, corresponding to a total equity value of USD 1.7 billion (approximately SEK 17.1 billion).
“CTI represents a perfect fit for Sobi’s haematology franchise today, adding a powerful and highly differentiated new product that will make a significant difference for patients,” says Guido Oelkers President and CEO of Sobi. “There is a large unmet medical need within myelofibrosis, in particular for patients suffering from thrombocytopenia who are inadequately treated by existing medicines. The combination of the talented team at CTI, together with Sobi’s broad US and global haematology capabilities, will help get this much needed new therapy to patients faster and more effectively. The acquisition of CTI is the latest in a series of transformative transactions Sobi has conducted to build its leading rare haematology franchise.”
The acquisition of CTI is the latest in a series of transformative transactions Sobi has conducted to build its leading rare haematology franchise.”
Strengthens Sobi’s haematology franchise
The acquisition complements and further strengthens Sobi’s haematology franchise by adding VONJO (pacritinib), a novel oral kinase inhibitor that inhibits JAK2, IRAK1 and ACRV1, while sparing JAK1, states Sobi in a press release. VONJO obtained accelerated approval by the FDA in February 2022 for treatment of adults with intermediate or high-risk primary or secondary myelofibrosis with a platelet count below 50 × 109/L.
The acquisition is expected to accelerate Sobi’s revenue growth, and to improve margins, adding a commercial-stage asset in the U.S., with the potential for further expansion globally, the company further states.
Sobi’s main shareholder, Investor AB, has undertaken to vote in favor of the implementation of the rights issue at an extraordinary general meeting. Investor AB has also undertaken to subscribe for its pro rata share of the rights issue, corresponding to approximately 34.7% of the shares to be issued in the rights issue.
The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2023.
Photo of Guido Oelkers: Sobi
