AstraZeneca Discontinues Vemircopan, Takes $753M Charge on Former Alexion Asset

AstraZeneca has discontinued development of vemircopan, a complement inhibitor acquired through its Alexion acquisition, resulting in a $753 million charge1.

The decision to halt vemircopan's development was based on phase 2 safety and efficacy data1.

Vemircopan was being tested for conditions including lupus nephritis, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, and impaired hepatic function1.

Despite this setback, AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot maintains that the $39 billion Alexion acquisition was a "fantastic" deal for the company14.

The discontinuation is part of over $1 billion in impairment charges taken by AstraZeneca in the fourth quarter of 20241.

AstraZeneca's rare disease portfolio, largely from Alexion, saw 22% revenue growth in Q4 2024, reaching nearly $2.4 billion4.

Ultomiris, a key Alexion asset, surged 33% in Q4 2024, bringing in nearly $1.1 billion in revenue4.

This is not the first Alexion asset discontinued by AstraZeneca; the company previously terminated development of ALXN1840 for Wilson disease and ALXN1820 for sickle cell disease1.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/astrazeneca-resets-big-bets-taking-1b-charges-ex-alexion-fusion-assets-suffer-setbacks

4. https://www.biospace.com/business/astrazeneca-axes-two-alexion-assets-as-q4-earnings-exceed-expectations