Teva Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Labrys Biologics

(Petach Tikva, Israel) will acquire Labrys Biologics, Inc. (San Mateo, CA, USA). The acquisition will broaden Teva’s array of biotechnology assets and capabilities.

Teva will purchase Labrys for USD 200 million in upfront payment in cash at closing as well as up to USD 625 million in contingent payments upon achievement of certain pre-launch milestones. Potential peak sales for LBR-101 are estimated to reach USD 2–3 billion. With the goal of becoming a global leader in pain by 2020, the Labrys acquisition adds a significant migraine prophylaxis dimension to Teva’s extensive pain care franchise, which includes a range of investigational, approved, and marketed treatments for migraine, cancer pain, and chronic pain.

Labrys is developing LBR-101, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) currently in phase IIb clinical trials for prevention of chronic and episodic migraine. Teva’s acquisition of the LBR-101 program targeting high frequency episodic and chronic migraine complements the recent addition of Zecuity, an innovative therapy for the acute treatment of migraine, obtained through the acquisition of NuPathe.

This ability to treat both acute and chronic migraine builds on Teva’s broader pain portfolio, which was recently further strengthened by positive phase III results achieved by Teva’s potential abuse-deterrent extended release hydrocodone. The results gave a clear indication, in a clinical setting, of the promise of Teva’s proprietary technology with potential abuse-deterrent properties in a range of opioid medications.

“Teva is the ideal company to continue Labrys’ efforts to rapidly advance the LBR-101 program and bring a much needed product to market,” said Steven P. James, Labrys’ president and chief executive officer. “Since closing a Series A investment round in 2013, Labrys has made remarkable strides advancing LBR-101 in a robust phase 2 development program and attracting a high caliber company in Teva to complete clinical development.”

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