Gilead Sciences acquisition of MYR: A strategic move to tackle hepatitis delta virus

In a strategic acquisition aimed at expanding its hepatitis treatment portfolio, US biopharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences has announced the acquisition of MYR GmbH, a German biotech firm. This deal, valued at up to €1.45 billion, will bolster Gilead’s efforts to combat the hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a serious condition that currently lacks effective treatments. The acquisition positions Gilead to fast-track the global distribution of Hepcludex (bulevirtide), the first and only drug conditionally approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of chronic HDV infection.

The Financial Details of the Gilead Sciences MYR Acquisition

The deal is structured with €1.15 billion in cash paid upon closing, followed by an additional €300 million in milestone payments based on the future success of Hepcludex. These terms reflect Gilead’s confidence in MYR’s innovative approach to HDV therapy and the growing demand for advanced treatments in this field. The acquisition will significantly enhance Gilead’s competitive position in the global healthcare market, especially in areas of liver disease treatment.

Gilead’s Commitment to Hepatitis Innovation

Daniel O’Day, Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, noting the substantial unmet medical need in HDV treatment. He emphasized that Hepcludex offers a unique opportunity to address this pressing health issue, marking a significant milestone in Gilead’s long history of innovation in viral hepatitis therapies.

“Hepcludex is a first-in-class therapy that has the potential to transform the lives of patients suffering from chronic HDV infection,” O’Day said, underscoring Gilead’s commitment to advancing therapies that tackle the most challenging diseases. His statement highlights Gilead’s ongoing strategy to innovate in the viral hepatitis space.

Hepcludex: A Breakthrough in Hepatitis Delta Virus Treatment

Hepcludex works by binding to the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), effectively blocking the virus’s entry into liver cells. The drug’s conditional approval by the European Medicines Agency in 2020 marks a significant development in HDV treatment options. MYR had already launched Hepcludex in select European countries, including France, Germany, and Austria, and was preparing for further market expansions.

Gilead’s acquisition is expected to expedite Hepcludex’s global launch, giving more patients access to a life-changing treatment. The addition of Hepcludex to Gilead’s portfolio underscores the company’s dedication to addressing liver diseases, particularly viral hepatitis, which remains a major health burden worldwide.

Future Plans and Regulatory Approvals

MYR’s CEO Dmitry Popov expressed his pride in Hepcludex’s rapid progress from preclinical development to patient care. Popov also noted that Gilead’s global infrastructure and expertise in hepatitis therapies would be instrumental in maximizing the drug’s potential. As part of the deal, MYR is expected to pursue accelerated approval of Hepcludex in the United States in the latter half of 2021. The drug is currently granted orphan drug and breakthrough therapy designations by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a testament to its potential impact on the treatment landscape.

Gilead’s Strategic Acquisition Enhances Global Hepatitis Treatment Efforts

The acquisition of MYR by Gilead Sciences strengthens the company’s commitment to hepatitis delta virus treatment and expands its robust portfolio of liver disease therapies. With Hepcludex, Gilead is poised to lead the charge in addressing an unmet medical need that has long challenged healthcare systems globally. The strategic move will likely set the stage for further innovations in the field, improving patient outcomes and driving global access to cutting-edge treatments.