Allergan 'Unusual Suspect' But Pipeline 'Hunger' A Perfect Match For Heptares

08 Apr 2016

• By Sukaina Virji

With Scrip still reeling from the news earlier this week that Pfizer and Allergan have called off their $160bn mega-merger, news broke that former darling of the UK biotech scene Heptares, now a wholly-owned subsidiary and the 'R&D engine' of Japanese company Sosei Group Corp., has secured a notable licensing deal with Allergan. Scrip caught up with Heptares CEO Malcolm Weir to get his take on the fall of PfizerGan (PfAllergan?), and of course the small matter of securing a partnership deal worth up to $3.34bn plus potential royalties.

With Scrip still reeling from the news earlier this week that Pfizer and Allergan have called off their $160bn mega-merger, news broke that former darling of the UK biotech scene Heptares, now a wholly-owned subsidiary and the 'R&D engine' of Japanese company Sosei Group Corp., has secured a notable licensing deal with Allergan. Scrip caught up with Heptares CEO Malcolm Weir to get his take on the fall of PfizerGan (PfAllergan?), and of course the small matter of securing a partnership deal worth up to $3.34bn plus potential royalties.

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

Start your 7-day free trial
Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
Access comprehensive global coverage
Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

Leqembi Launch Set For Germany And Austria As EU Approval Finally Comes

16 Apr 2025

• By Neena Brizmohun

Eisai is working on securing reimbursement across the EU for Leqembi now that the Alzheimer’s disease treatment has secured marketing approval from the European Commission.

GSK Ramps Up Neuroscience Investment With ABL Brain Shuttle Deal

07 Apr 2025

• By Andrew McConaghie

The pact could be worth more than $2.6bn and adds to growing big pharma investment in the technology.

Roche’s Brain Shuttle Delivers In Alzheimer’s, Moves Ahead To Phase III

04 Apr 2025

• By Andrew McConaghie

By allowing it to enter the brain more easily, trontinemab’s brain shuttle brings more patients to ‘amyloid zero’ levels faster, and with fewer brain swelling side effects.

Axsome Plans Excessive Sleepiness Study In Depression After Phase III Failure

01 Apr 2025

• By Alaric DeArment

The study’s failure in the overall MDD population was not a surprise, but solriamfetol’s efficacy in MDD with EDS provided a rationale for testing it in that subpopulation.