Alexion and AstraZeneca Acquire Rare Disease Gene Therapy Portfolio from Pfizer for $1 Billion

Alexion and AstraZeneca Acquire Rare Disease Gene Therapy Portfolio from Pfizer for $1 Billion

(IN BRIEF) Alexion, in collaboration with AstraZeneca Rare Disease, has finalized an agreement to acquire a collection of preclinical rare disease gene therapy programs and related technologies from Pfizer Inc. This strategic move combines the expertise of Alexion and AstraZeneca in genomic medicine to develop safer and more effective genetic therapies. The acquisition involves a total payment of up to $1 billion, along with tiered royalties on future sales. Additionally, some Pfizer employees linked to the portfolio will join Alexion as part of this transaction.

(PRESS RELEASE) CAMBRIDGE, 21-Sep-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, has completed a definitive purchase and licence agreement for a portfolio of preclinical rare disease gene therapy programmes and enabling technologies from Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer).

These new resources build on the combined capabilities of Alexion and AstraZeneca in genomic medicine, with the objective to develop new genetic therapies with improved safety and efficacy profiles. Additionally, several of the Pfizer employees associated with the portfolio will join Alexion as employees.

Financial considerations
Alexion has purchased and licenced the assets of Pfizer’s early-stage rare disease gene therapy portfolio for a total consideration of up to $1bn, plus tiered royalties on sales.

Notes

Alexion
Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, is the group within AstraZeneca focused on rare diseases, created following the 2021 acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. As a leader in rare diseases for nearly 30 years, Alexion is focused on serving patients and families affected by rare diseases and devastating conditions through the discovery, development and commercialisation of life-changing medicines. Alexion focuses its research efforts on novel molecules and targets in the complement cascade and its development efforts on haematology, nephrology, neurology, metabolic disorders, cardiology and ophthalmology. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Alexion has offices around the globe and serves patients in more than 50 countries.

AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca.

Adrian Kemp
Company Secretary
AstraZeneca PLC

Media Contact:

Tel: +44 (0)1223 344 800
email: global-mediateam@astrazeneca.com

SOURCE: AstraZeneca