AstraZeneca Completes Acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals
AstraZeneca says the acquisition will enhance its oncology portfolio with Fusion’s expertise in radioconjugates (RCs), a type of drug that combines radiation with a tumor-targeting agent. The acquisition includes Fusion’s lead program, FPI-2265, an actinium-225 based RC targeting prostate cancer, and aims to leverage Fusion's innovative actinium-based platform to develop new treatments. Fusion will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, continuing its work in Canada and the U.S.
AstraZeneca announced the successful completion of the acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation radioconjugates (RCs). The acquisition marks a major step forward in AstraZeneca delivering on its ambition to transform cancer treatment and outcomes for patients by replacing traditional regimens like chemotherapy and radiotherapy with more targeted treatments.
This acquisition complements AstraZeneca’s leading oncology portfolio with the addition of the Fusion pipeline of RCs, including their most advanced programme, FPI-2265, a potential new treatment for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and brings new expertise and pioneering R&D, manufacturing and supply chain capabilities in actinium-based RCs to AstraZeneca. It also strengthens AstraZeneca’s presence in and commitment to Canada.
As a result of the acquisition, Fusion has become a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca, with operations in Canada and the US.
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, AstraZeneca, through a subsidiary, has acquired all of Fusion’s outstanding shares pursuant to a plan of arrangement for a price of $21.00 per share in cash at closing plus a non-transferable contingent value right of $3.00 per share in cash payable upon the achievement of a specified regulatory milestone prior to 31st August, 2029. Combined, the upfront payment and maximum potential contingent value payment, if achieved, represent a transaction value of approximately $2.4bn. As part of the transaction, AstraZeneca acquired the cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments on Fusion’s balance sheet, which totalled $211m as of 31st March 2024. Fusion shares will be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market and deregistered under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Fusion has applied to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws.
Following completion of the acquisition, 15863210 Canada Inc. (the “Purchaser”), a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of AstraZeneca, has beneficial ownership and control over 85,692,265 Fusion shares, being 100% of the issued and outstanding Fusion shares. The value, in Canadian dollars, of the consideration paid per Fusion share and in total (representing, in each case the total of the upfront payment and maximum potential contingent value payment) was C$32.72 per share and C$2,804,219,198.25 in total (based on the Bank of Canada’s exchange rate as of June 3, 2024 being C$1.00 to $0.7334).
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