AstraZeneca to buy BMS' stake in diabetes alliance assets for $ 2.7 billion

AstraZeneca has inked an agreement to acquire Bristol-Myers Squibb’s stake in the companies’ diabetes alliance for an initial consideration of $ 2.7 billion on completion and up to $1.4 billion in regulatory, launch and sales-related payments. AstraZeneca has also agreed to pay various sales-related royalty payments up until 2025. In addition, AstraZeneca may make payments up to $ 225 million when certain assets are subsequently transferred.
 
Upon completion of the transaction, AstraZeneca will own intellectual property and global rights for the development, manufacture and commercialisation of the diabetes business, which includes Onglyza (saxagliptin), Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin and metformin HCl extended release), Komboglyze (saxagliptin and metformin HCl), dapagliflozin (marketed as Forxiga outside the US), Byetta (exenatide), Bydureon (exenatide extended-release for injectable suspension), metreleptin and Symlin (pramlintide acetate).
 
The transaction will consolidate worldwide ownership of the diabetes business within AstraZeneca leveraging its primary and specialty care capabilities and its geographical reach, especially in emerging markets. The agreement reinforces AstraZeneca’s long-term commitment to patients with diabetes, a core strategic area and an important platform for returning AstraZeneca to growth.
 
AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb anticipate that subject to local consultation and legislation, approximately 4,100 Bristol-Myers Squibb employees dedicated to the diabetes business, including those at Amylin, will eventually transition to AstraZeneca. Over time, AstraZeneca will also become responsible for the manufacturing and supply chain of the full portfolio of diabetes products. Bristol-Myers Squibb will continue to deliver specified clinical trials in line with the ongoing clinical trial plan. A number of R&D and manufacturing employees dedicated to diabetes will remain with Bristol-Myers Squibb to progress the diabetes portfolio and support the transition for these areas.
 
Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer of AstraZeneca, said, “Together with Bristol-Myers Squibb we concluded that consolidating ownership of the diabetes portfolio would benefit both companies and allow us to better serve the needs of diabetic patients. Today’s announcement reinforces AstraZeneca’s long-term commitment to diabetes, a core strategic area for us and an important platform for returning AstraZeneca to growth.”