1. Scrip
  2. >>Business
  3. >>Deals

AZ's Alexion Acquisition Looks Astute Bit Of Business

Offers $39bn For Rare Disease Drug Pioneer

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Some analysts are suggesting that AstraZeneca is getting hold of a "scarce and high-quality asset" in Alexion for a very reasonable price and shareholders could demand more than the $175 per share offer on the table.

Sodertalje, Sweden - April 27, 2014: Three purple flags with the logo for Atrazeneca flying in the wind on top of the flagpoles against the blue sky.
aSTRAzENECA FLAGS UP PROMISE OF aLEXION'S RARE DISEASE DRUGS • Source: Archive

It would be the biggest acquisition in the company's history but AstraZeneca PLC’s surprise proposed $39bn takeover of Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. looks like a shrewd investment.

Observers of the sector who had been bombarded by COVID-19 vaccines news during the week, including updates on AstraZeneca's own offering developed with Oxford University, saw hopes for a quiet Saturday squashed as the drug maker announced on 12 December a definitive agreement to acquire Alexion

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?

More from Deals

Biopharma Deals ROI Has Fallen And Market Instability Could Make It Worse

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

Rising biotech valuations mean return on investment on some deals is non-existent for big pharma, though certain strategies will improve chances of success, a new analysis has found.

Dr Reddy’s Gears For Tariffs Scenario To Ensure No US Supply Disruption

 
• By Anju Ghangurde

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories preps for potential US tariffs, focusing on sustaining product supply and collaborating with customers on inventories. A recent US plant sale, the firm stressed, was unrelated to tariffs and underlines its openness to ‘make in the US’, where it launched 18 products in fiscal 2025.

Pharma Left Hanging After US/UK Trade Pact

 
• By Kevin Grogan

An ‘historic economic prosperity deal’ does not include the sector.

Sanofi R&D Head’s Words Of Wisdom For Biotechs

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Houman Ashrafian tells delegates at Swiss Biotech Day that ‘literally only two things matter in our industry – target credentialing and differentiated pharmacology. The rest is execution.’

More from Business

Dr Reddy’s Gears For Tariffs Scenario To Ensure No US Supply Disruption

 
• By Anju Ghangurde

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories preps for potential US tariffs, focusing on sustaining product supply and collaborating with customers on inventories. A recent US plant sale, the firm stressed, was unrelated to tariffs and underlines its openness to ‘make in the US’, where it launched 18 products in fiscal 2025.

Quick Listen: Scrip’s Five Must-Know Things

 
• By Ian Haydock

In this week's episode: industry makes its case to Trump; Sarepta slammed by double blow; Chinese firms build obesity pipeline; Swiss biopharma staying strong; and Merck & Co looks to immunology and ophthalmology.

Takeda Plans US Investment But Sees Little Impact From Tariffs

 
• By Alaric DeArment

The Japanese drug maker is on track for three pivotal Phase III readouts and two regulatory submissions in 2025.