AstraZeneca to acquire FibroGen’s China unit for $160M
AstraZeneca has agreed to acquire FibroGen's China subsidiary for approximately $160 million. Here are the key details of the deal:
Transaction Overview
- Purchase Price: $160 million total, consisting of:
- $85 million enterprise value
- Approximately $75 million in net cash held by FibroGen China
- Closing:
Expected by mid-2025, subject to regulatory approvals in China
- Rights Acquired:
AstraZeneca will obtain full rights to roxadustat in China
Impact on FibroGen
- Will use proceeds to repay term loan to Morgan Stanley Tactical Value
- Extends cash runway into 2027
- Allows focus on advancing oncology pipeline, including FG-3246 for prostate cancer
- Retains rights to roxadustat in U.S. and markets not licensed to Astellas
- Stock price surged 42% on announcement day
Roxadustat in China
- Approved for anemia in chronic kidney disease
- Category leader in brand value share
- Generated $284 million in China sales in 2023 (36% year-over-year growth)
- Pending regulatory decision for chemotherapy-induced anemia
Strategic Implications
- Strengthens AstraZeneca's presence in China, a key growth market
- Continues AstraZeneca's expansion in China despite ongoing government probes
- Allows FibroGen to simplify its capital structure and extend cash runway
This acquisition represents AstraZeneca's commitment to the Chinese market and provides FibroGen with needed financial flexibility to advance its pipeline1245.
Sources:
1. https://www.biospace.com/business/astrazeneca-buys-fibrogens-china-unit-for-160m-as-probes-continue
2. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/fibrogen-announces-the-sale-of-fibrogen-china-to-astrazeneca-for-approximately-160-million
4. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/fibrogen-sells-china-unit-to-astrazeneca-for-160m/
5. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/astrazeneca-china-fibrogen-acquire-deal/740450/