Pharma Industry Roundup: Merck KGaA in Acquisition Talks, BridgeBio's EU Approval, and More

German pharmaceutical giant Merck KGaA has confirmed it is in advanced discussions with SpringWorks Therapeutics regarding a potential acquisition. Meanwhile, BridgeBio Pharma celebrates a significant regulatory win in Europe, and several other companies announce strategic shifts and collaborations.

Merck KGaA Eyes SpringWorks Acquisition

Merck KGaA, the German multinational pharmaceutical company, has officially confirmed that it is in advanced talks with SpringWorks Therapeutics about a possible acquisition. The announcement comes after Reuters initially reported on the discussions, causing SpringWorks shares to surge by 34% on Monday.

However, Merck KGaA cautions that no legally binding agreement has been reached, and "critical conditions have yet to be met." The company emphasized that a transaction may not materialize, tempering expectations despite the advanced nature of the talks.

BridgeBio Secures European Commission Approval for Beyonttra

In a significant development for patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy, the European Commission has authorized BridgeBio Pharma's Beyonttra (acoramidis). This approval follows the drug's clearance in the United States in November 2023, where it is marketed as Attruby.

The European authorization triggers a $75 million milestone payment to BridgeBio from Bayer, which holds commercial rights in Europe through a 2024 collaboration. Under this agreement, BridgeBio is set to receive at least a "low thirties" percent royalty on sales in the region.

Biohaven and Third Harmonic Bio: Strategic Moves and FDA Priority Review

Biohaven has received priority review from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its experimental treatment, troriluzole, targeting spinocerebellar ataxia. If approved, troriluzole would become the first authorized medicine for this neurodegenerative disorder. The company is prepared for a potential launch this year, pending FDA clearance.

Meanwhile, Third Harmonic Bio has announced a strategic restructuring, including plans to halve its staff and focus exclusively on advancing its drug THB335 into Phase 2 testing for chronic spontaneous urticaria. The company is exploring "a full range of strategic transactions" to maximize shareholder value, with $285 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024.

Industry Collaborations and Expansions

Eli Lilly is expanding its collaboration with AdvanCell, a radiopharmaceutical drug developer that recently secured $112 million in Series C financing. The partnership will focus on AdvanCell's technology for producing Pb-212, a lead radioisotope. This move aligns with Lilly's ongoing investments in radiopharmaceuticals through various deals and investments, though financial terms of the AdvanCell agreement were not disclosed.

As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, these developments highlight the industry's focus on strategic acquisitions, regulatory milestones, and collaborative efforts to advance innovative therapies across multiple therapeutic areas.