Roivant/Roche: Did Pfizer Miss Out?

Merck/Prometheus Deal Changed TL1A Market Dynamics

Pfizer gave US rights to an asset to Roivant, which turned around and sold it to Roche for $7.1bn 10 months later. Pfizer says it’s content with the 25% stake it will receive. Roivant CEO Matt Gline also talked to Scrip about the sudden turnaround. 

question mark
Pfizer's deal with Roivant raises questions • Source: Shutterstock

The original deal between Pfizer Inc. and Roivant Sciences Ltd. for the tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A (TL1A) inhibitor RVT-3101 was perplexing when it happened in December 2022, because Pfizer gave away US rights for the potential blockbuster asset to Roivant for no upfront fee, choosing instead to retain a 25% stake in the company Roivant built to develop the drug, Telavant Holdings, Inc. Now, just 10 months later, Roivant is selling Telavant to Roche Holding AG for $7.1bn.

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

More from Deals

Novartis Gains Further Renal Territory With Regulus Acquisition

 

The San Diego biotech’s lead product candidate is an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapy slated to enter Phase III development in the third quarter.

GSK Chief Optimistic About BD Despite Volatile Environment

 
• By 

Emma Walmsley tells Scrip that the "biotech market is under a certain degree of pressure," so reasonably priced deals are available.

In Brief: Ferrer Signs Deal For Prilenia’s Pridopidine In Europe

 

The companies will co-develop the drug for additional indications beyond Huntington’s disease, while Prilenia retains rights in key global markets.

UPDATED: Merck KGaA Seals SpringWorks Buy

 
• By 

The German group is paying $3.9bn to get hold of the US firm and its two approved products.

More from Business

GSK Chief Optimistic About BD Despite Volatile Environment

 
• By 

Emma Walmsley tells Scrip that the "biotech market is under a certain degree of pressure," so reasonably priced deals are available.

Pfizer CEO Bourla ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ About Tariffs, Pricing Policies

 
• By 

Bourla said the pharma industry may be able to negotiate productive solutions to Trump tariff and drug pricing concerns. He asserted anti-science views are not shared by all in the administration.

Abeona Sets $3.1m Price For Rare Skin Disorder Gene Therapy

 
• By 

Abeona plans to offer an outcomes-based payment model for Zevaskyn, which likely will see complementary use with Krystal’s Vyjuvek in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients.