Incyte to Acquire Vega Therapeutics, a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Star Therapeutics, Expanding its Hematology Portfolio into Bleeding Disorders

Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Vega Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics, LLC, for $1.25 billion. Star Therapeutics will be eligible to receive up to $750 million in additional payments upon the achievement of sales milestones, for total potential consideration of up to $2.0 billion subject to customary closing adjustments. The proposed acquisition would add VGA039, a novel monoclonal antibody, to Incyte’s hematology portfolio.

Vega Therapeutics’ lead candidate, VGA039, modulates Protein S to improve hemostasis, potentially improving the body’s ability to control bleeding in numerous bleeding disorders. VGA039 is in Phase 3 pivotal development for patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It has the potential to be the first subcutaneous prophylactic therapy with a convenient dosing regimen for patients with VWD who currently require frequent intravenous infusions.

“VGA039 fits directly into our strategy of building a top-tier growth company for the future,” said Bill Meury, Chief Executive Officer of Incyte. “It is a first-in-class, Phase 3 asset with compelling early data, a manageable development path and the potential to become an important new growth driver in one of our core therapeutic areas – hematology. The transaction has all of the attributes we look for in business development opportunities.”

Approximately 135,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with von Willebrand disease.¹ The disease is characterized by excessive bleeding that can vary in severity and frequency and may significantly affect quality of life. Current prophylactic treatment options include factor replacement therapies that often require 2 to 3 intravenous infusions each week.²

“This milestone reflects our team’s deep commitment to innovation and underscores our strategy to develop first-in-class and best-in-class therapies for serious conditions with high unmet need,” said Adam Rosenthal, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Star Therapeutics. “VGA039 will be advanced by Incyte, a global biopharmaceutical leader with deep expertise in hematology and a significant commercial track record. I am immensely proud of the Star Therapeutics team and our work toward making a difference for patients with von Willebrand disease.”

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