Pfizer Completes Acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced today the completion of its acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage company developing innovative potential therapies for the treatment of several immuno-inflammatory diseases.

Arena Pharmaceuticals brings to Pfizer a portfolio of diverse and promising development-stage therapeutic candidates in gastroenterology, dermatology, and cardiology, including etrasimod, an oral, selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator currently in development for a range of immuno-inflammatory diseases including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and alopecia areata.

“We are excited to add the impressive experience and pipeline of Arena Pharmaceuticals to Pfizer’s Inflammation and Immunology therapeutic area, helping us further our purpose of developing breakthroughs to change the lives of those with immuno-inflammatory diseases,” said Mike Gladstone, Global President & General Manager, Pfizer Inflammation and Immunology. “In particular, we’re hopeful that we can accelerate clinical development of etrasimod successfully to have a positive impact on those living with these debilitating diseases.”

Arena has previously indicated that it expected the results of the Phase 3 ELEVATE-UC trial of etrasimod in ulcerative colitis during the first quarter of 2022.

Arena’s pipeline also includes two development-stage cardiovascular assets: temanogrel for microvascular obstruction and Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic sclerosis, and APD418 for acute heart failure.

Additional Transaction Details

Pfizer has completed its acquisition of all outstanding shares, options, and restricted stock units of Arena for $100 per share, in cash, for a total equity value of approximately $6.7 billion. The acquisition was completed by way of a merger in accordance with Delaware law and, as a result of the acquisition, Arena became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pfizer. In connection with the acquisition, Arena’s shares of common stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Select Market on or about March 11, 2022.

For additional background on the acquisition, please read the announcement press release here.

About Pfizer Inflammation & Immunology
At Pfizer Inflammation & Immunology, we strive to deliver breakthroughs that enable freedom from day-to-day suffering for people living with autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, which can be debilitating, disfiguring and distressing, dramatically affecting what they can do. With a focus on immuno-inflammatory conditions in Rheumatology, Gastroenterology and Medical Dermatology, our current portfolio of approved medicines and investigational molecules spans multiple action and delivery mechanisms, from topicals to small molecules, biologics and biosimilars. The root cause of many immunological diseases is immuno-inflammation, which requires specifically designed agents. Our differentiated R&D approach resulted in one of the broadest pipelines in the industry, where we purposefully match molecules to diseases where we believe they can make the biggest difference. Building on our decades-long commitment and pioneering science, we continue to advance the standard of care for patients living with immuno-inflammatory diseases and are working hand-in-hand with patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community on healthcare solutions for the many challenges of managing chronic inflammatory diseases, allowing patients to live their best lives.