AstraZeneca Acquires FibroGen’s China Unit for $160 Million, Gaining Full Control of Anemia Drug Roxadustat
AstraZeneca is purchasing FibroGen's China unit for approximately $160 million23.
The deal gives AstraZeneca full rights to roxadustat, an oral anemia drug, in China36.
Roxadustat is approved in China for treating anemia in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis1.
The transaction includes $85 million for the enterprise value of FibroGen's China business and $75 million in net cash held by the unit6.
FibroGen will use the proceeds to repay a loan and extend its cash runway into 202736.
The sale allows FibroGen to focus on developing its oncology pipeline, particularly FG-3246, an antibody-drug conjugate for prostate cancer8.
AstraZeneca and FibroGen have been collaborating on roxadustat since 20133.
The deal is expected to close by mid-202538.
Roxadustat is a category leader for anemia treatment in chronic kidney disease in China6.
FibroGen retains rights to roxadustat in other markets, including the U.S., where it was rejected by the FDA in 202168.
Sources:
1. https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2018/roxadustat-approved-in-china-for-the-treatment-of-anaemia-in-chronic-kidney-disease-patients-on-dialysis18122018.html
2. https://endpts.com/astrazeneca-buys-fibrogens-china-unit-for-local-control-of-anemia-drug/
3. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/astrazeneca-china-fibrogen-acquire-deal/740450/
6. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/astrazeneca-pays-160m-fibrogens-china-unit-regional-rights-roxadustat
8. https://medcitynews.com/2025/02/astrazeneca-fibrogen-china-roxadustat-anemia-drug-azn-fgen/