Eli Lilly Acquires Scorpion Therapeutics in $2.5 Billion Deal to Boost Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Acquisition Deal:
Eli Lilly and Company has agreed to acquire Scorpion Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $2.5 billion, expanding its oncology pipeline with STX-478, a mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor14.
STX-478 Potential:
STX-478 is a once-daily oral treatment currently in Phase 1/2 clinical trials for breast cancer and other advanced solid tumors. It selectively targets PI3Kα mutations, which occur in 30-40% of hormone-positive breast cancers, offering potential for better disease control and improved tolerability14.
Strategic Impact:
The acquisition leverages Lilly's deep expertise in breast cancer and Scorpion's drug discovery capabilities to advance STX-478, potentially changing the standard of care for oncology14.
Transaction Terms:
Scorpion shareholders could receive up to $2.5 billion in cash, including an upfront payment and subsequent payments upon achieving certain regulatory and sales milestones. Scorpion will spin out a new entity to hold its non-PI3Kα pipeline assets, with Lilly holding a minority equity interest14.
Future Prospects:
The deal positions Lilly to potentially address a significant unmet need in breast cancer treatment and sets the stage for targeting other cancers driven by PI3Kα mutations14.
Sources:
1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lilly-to-acquire-scorpion-therapeutics-mutant-selective-pi3k-inhibitor-program-302349242.html
4. https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/lilly-acquires-scorpion-therapeutics-in-deal-worth-up-to-2-5b