AbbVie and Allergan to divest brazikumab and zenpep

AbbVie and Allergan announced the divestment of brazikumab (IL-23 inhibitor) and Zenpep (pancrelipase) from the Gastroenterology and Hepatology therapeutic areas.

AstraZeneca will acquire brazikumab, an investigational IL-23 inhibitor in Phase 2b/3 development for Crohn’s Disease and in Phase II development for ulcerative colitis, including global development and commercial rights.

Nestle will acquire and take full operational ownership of Zenpep upon closing the transaction with customary transition support from Allergan. Zenpep is a treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis and other conditions. Nestle also will be acquiring Viokace, another pancreatic enzyme preparation, as part of the same transaction.

Register FREE to receive the latest news, innovations and insights from Health Industry Hub; the only one-stop-hub connecting Australia’s Pharma, MedTech and Biotech industry professionals and its key stakeholders.

“These definitive agreements represent significant progress toward the completion of our acquisition of Allergan,” said Richard A. Gonzalez, chairman and chief executive officer, AbbVie. “The new combined organization will be well positioned to deliver on our mission to patients with a broad portfolio of innovative therapies.”

“We move another step closer to completing AbbVie’s acquisition of Allergan. Allergan’s commercial and R&D teams have invested so much of themselves into the development of brazikumab and the commercialisation of Zenpep, and these divestiture agreements will enable that work to continue following the close of our planned acquisition,” said Brent Saunders, chairman and chief executive officer of Allergan.

On January 10, 2020, AbbVie and Allergan received conditional approval of the transaction by the European Commission, subject to the approved divestiture of brazikumab and other conditions.

AbbVie and Allergan continue to expect a first-quarter 2020 close of their pending transaction, subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Enhance employer branding and boost thought leadership in the industry to attract and retain quality employees. Health Industry Hub is the only one-stop-hub connecting your organisation to Australia’s Pharma, MedTech, and Biotech industry professionals. Get started with our unique media solutions.

You may also like Expanded access to cutting edge CAR T-cell therapy