UCB BUYING RA PHARMACEUTICALS FOR $2.5 BILLION
by John G. Baresky on 10/10/19
UCB
Covets RA Pharmaceutical Phase 3 gMG Candidate
UCB ( OTCMKTS:
UCBJF ) seeks RA's ( NASDAQ: RARX ) Phase 3 rival to Alexion’s ( NASDAQ: ALXN)
Soliris which has an indication for generalized myasthenia gravis ( gMG ), a
chronic, debilitating neuromuscular disorder impacting respiratory and limb movement.
Presently, Soliris is the only complement inhibitor for gMG.
Once-Daily
Administration
The Phase 3 peptide Ra
has underway for gMG is a once-daily, self-administered, subcutaneous C5
inhibitor called zilucoplan.
UCB Research Presently
Underway In gMG / MG Category
UCB already has a Phase
3 MG product in the works, Rozanolixizumab (UCB7665), an investigational
humanized monoclonal IgG antibody ( mAb or moAb ).
UCB AND RA
PHARMACEUTICAL FINANCIALS
UCB focuses on
neurology and immunology therapies; it is based in Brussels, Belgium with a
U.S. headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Ra Pharmaceuticals is based in
Cambridge, Massachusetts. The UCB deal covers the RA Pharmaceutical shares at
$48 each; more than a 100% premium over its closing price on 10/9/19.
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