Viva Biotech's Arthrosi Enters $1.5 Billion Acquisition Deal with Sobi
Major Acquisition in the Biotechnology Sector
In a groundbreaking development within the biotechnology sector, Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc., a company that has been invested in and incubated by Viva Biotech, has officially entered into a substantial acquisition agreement with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi). This acquisition carries a total transaction value of up to $1.5 billion, with an upfront payment of $950 million expected upon closing.
The acquisition was announced on December 15, 2025, and is anticipated to conclude in the first half of 2026. This strategic move is seen as a pivotal moment for both companies, particularly for Sobi, as it bolsters their gout treatment offerings. Under the terms of the deal, there is also contingent consideration of up to $550 million based on certain performance benchmarks.
Significance of the Acquisition
Arthrosi is renowned for developing pozdeutinurad, an investigational next-generation URAT1 inhibitor aimed at managing urate levels in patients suffering from gout. This medication is currently undergoing evaluation in two global Phase 3 clinical studies, which have already been fully recruited. The results of these studies, expected in 2026, are anticipated to provide further insights into the potential effectiveness of this treatment.
Guido Oelkers, President and CEO of Sobi, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, stating, “The acquisition of Arthrosi allows us to expand our gout pipeline with a highly differentiated new asset. Pozdeutinurad has the potential to become the therapy of choice for patients who have progressive gout with unresolved symptoms despite first-line therapy.” This speaks volumes about Sobi’s commitment to improving treatment options for individuals dealing with gout.
Continued Partnership and Collaboration
Despite the acquisition, Arthrosi's connection with Viva Biotech remains strong. The latter is expected to see an aggregate gain of approximately $40 million from this transaction, contingent on regulatory approvals and milestone results. Furthermore, Arthrosi has initiated a new statement of work with Viva Biotech's Langhua Pharmaceutical, focused on supplying active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Dr. Han Dai, Chief Innovation Officer and Head of Viva BioInnovator, expressed his pride in Arthrosi reaching this significant milestone, acknowledging the long-term investments and collaborations Viva has maintained with the company. He highlighted the continuous effort Arthrosi has made toward addressing unmet medical needs in gout, showcasing the effectiveness of Viva's investment and industrial empowerment model in the global innovative drug sector.
Looking Ahead
The acquisition is set to create a synergy that not only enhances Sobi’s portfolio but also reinforces Arthrosi's mission to deliver transformative treatments to individuals afflicted by gout. Both leaders look forward to fostering a productive collaboration aimed at expediting the development and commercialization of pozdeutinurad.
Overall, this acquisition marks an important development in the biotechnology realm, representing a convergence of innovative research and commercial potential that is likely to benefit patients globally. As the industry watches this transaction unfold, its implications could pave the way for future collaborations aimed at tackling prevalent and challenging health issues.
Topics Health）
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