| Key Points: – Lundbeck acquires Longboard Pharmaceuticals for $2.6 billion to strengthen its neuro-rare disease portfolio. – Lead asset, bexicaserin, in late-stage trials, holds potential as a breakthrough treatment for epilepsy-related conditions. – The acquisition aligns with Lundbeck’s strategy of expanding in rare neurological disorders and advancing its development pipeline. |
H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck), a global leader in brain health, has announced a landmark deal to acquire Longboard Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in transformative treatments for neurological disorders. This $2.6 billion acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Lundbeck, reinforcing its commitment to building a strong portfolio in rare and complex neurological diseases.
The strategic deal will enable Lundbeck to further expand its reach in neuro-rare conditions, a field with high unmet medical needs. Longboard’s lead asset, bexicaserin, is being developed to treat Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs), including Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and other severe epilepsy disorders. With this acquisition, Lundbeck gains access to a potential blockbuster drug that has shown encouraging results in both preclinical and clinical trials.
Bexicaserin is a next-generation superagonist specifically targeting 5-HT2C receptors. This innovative approach differentiates the drug from existing treatments for epilepsy, positioning it as a potential best-in-class therapy for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions. The drug is currently being evaluated in a global phase III trial under the DEEp SEA Study, involving approximately 480 patients with DEEs. If successful, bexicaserin could be a cornerstone in Lundbeck’s portfolio, with an estimated global peak sales potential of between $1.5 and $2 billion following its anticipated launch in 2028.
The acquisition aligns with Lundbeck’s Focused Innovator strategy, which seeks to invest in high-potential, cutting-edge treatments that address the most pressing needs in brain health. The transaction will not only enhance Lundbeck’s ability to provide innovative solutions for patients with neuro-rare disorders, but it will also bolster the company’s capabilities in treating complex neurological conditions.
Lundbeck’s CEO, Charl van Zyl, has emphasized that this acquisition represents a significant step in advancing the company’s mission of improving the lives of patients with severe brain disorders. “Bexicaserin addresses a critical unmet need for patients suffering from rare and severe epilepsies, for which there are very few treatment options. This acquisition will become a cornerstone in Lundbeck’s neuro-rare franchise and drive growth into the next decade,” van Zyl noted.
Longboard’s expertise and its leading asset, bexicaserin, will complement Lundbeck’s existing neuroscience portfolio, creating new opportunities for research and development in rare neurological disorders. This acquisition also adds valuable intellectual property and a broader reach into under-served markets, providing the potential for substantial growth in revenue and market share.
In terms of financial impact, the acquisition is expected to be funded through existing cash resources and bank financing, with integration costs projected at around $80 million in 2024. Lundbeck aims to leverage its financial strength to ensure that the acquisition delivers long-term value for shareholders.
With bexicaserin having already received Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) from the U.S. FDA, the future looks promising for this cutting-edge treatment. Lundbeck’s integration of Longboard Pharmaceuticals and its innovative technologies is poised to reshape the landscape for rare epilepsy treatment and boost the company’s leadership in neurological disorders.
| Take a moment to take a look at more emerging growth biotechnology companies by taking a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Research Analyst Robert LeBoyer’s coverage list. |