1. Scrip
  2. >>Business

Merck Closes In On Acceleron But BMS And Anti-Trust Regulators Could Be Obstacles

Bidding War May Ensue

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

Biopharma M&A has had a quiet year so far but could heat up if rivals start vying for the biotech company.

Merck_New_Jersey
Merck & Co has enjoyed huge success with Keytruda, but needs to find ways to reduce its reliance on the blockbuster immunotherapy.

Merck & Co., Inc. is understood to be closing in on an $11bn deal to acquire Acceleron but pharma sector watchers are not ruling out a late bid from rival firms notably Bristol Myers Squibb.

A report from the Wall Street Journal on Monday identified Merck as the frontrunner in the race to acquire the...

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 Business

Finance Watch: MapLight’s Mega-Round Funds Exploration Of Its Cobenfy Competitor

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Private Company Edition: MapLight raised a $372.5m series D round to fund ongoing Phase II trials and investigation of additional indications for its M1/M4 muscarinic agonist. Also, Scrip spoke with Modi Ventures about its new fund.

Atai Gives Up On Recognify’s Schizophrenia Drug After Phase IIb Miss

 
• By Joseph Haas

Set to merge with Beckley Psytech, Atai will focus on psychedelic candidates for treatment-resistant depression while Recognify will analyze Phase IIb data for possible next steps.

EU 15% Tariff Deal Still Leaves Questions For Pharma

 
• By Jessica Merrill

A single 15% tariff rate on imports from Europe includes pharmaceuticals, but it remains unclear if the trade deal will exclude generics or if Trump will offer a grace period.

Bayer’s Elinzanetant Is Latest Drug Hit By FDA Review Delays

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Comes Days After PDUFA Pushback For GSK's Blenrep.

More from Scrip

EU 15% Tariff Deal Still Leaves Questions For Pharma

 
• By Jessica Merrill

A single 15% tariff rate on imports from Europe includes pharmaceuticals, but it remains unclear if the trade deal will exclude generics or if Trump will offer a grace period.

Roche Unveils Alzheimer’s Phase III Plan And Preclinical Study

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

The trontinemab Phase III study is due to get underway this year, with Roche confident its brainshuttle technology will help it surpass approved rivals.

Bayer’s Elinzanetant Is Latest Drug Hit By FDA Review Delays

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Comes Days After PDUFA Pushback For GSK's Blenrep.