Organon Moves Into Branded Dermatology With Dermavant Takeout

Organon will pay $175m up front for Roivant subsidiary Dermavant and its topical therapy for psoriasis Vtama. The acquirer is betting on growth from adding atopic dermatitis to Vtama’s label.

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Organon will move into branded dermatology with buyout of Dermavant • Source: Shutterstock

Organon agreed to acquire Roivant Sciences subsidiary Dermavant Sciences Inc. on 18 September for $175m up front, which will add an approved psoriasis drug, Vtama (tapinarof cream 1%), to Organon’s portfolio while the company awaits an approval decision on a larger, second indication of atopic dermatitis. Analysts applauded the transaction, which has a total potential deal value of $1.2bn plus royalties, as a strategic maneuver for Roivant, although it may provide modest long-term value for Organon.

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