Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Chimerix, Further Diversifying Oncology Portfolio

Core Viewpoint - Jazz Pharmaceuticals is acquiring Chimerix for approximately $935 million, focusing on the development of dordaviprone, a treatment for a rare, high-grade brain tumor with significant unmet patient needs [1][2][3] Company Overview - Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for serious diseases, with a diverse portfolio including therapies for sleep disorders, epilepsy, and cancer [10] - Chimerix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing medicines that improve the lives of patients facing deadly diseases, with dordaviprone as its lead clinical asset [11] Transaction Details - The acquisition involves a cash consideration of $8.55 per share, representing a 72% premium based on Chimerix's closing price on March 4, 2025 [5] - Jazz plans to fund the transaction through existing cash and investments [6] - The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions [7] Product Information - Dordaviprone is a first-in-class small molecule treatment for H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma, a rare brain tumor primarily affecting children and young adults [2][9] - There are currently no FDA-approved therapies for H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma, making dordaviprone a potential standard of care if approved [4][3] - The FDA has accepted a New Drug Application (NDA) for dordaviprone, granting it Priority Review with a target action date of August 18, 2025 [4][2] Clinical Development - Dordaviprone has shown benefits in clinical studies for recurrent H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma, with a favorable safety profile [4] - The ongoing Phase 3 ACTION trial is evaluating dordaviprone's use in newly diagnosed patients, potentially expanding its application [2][13] Strategic Fit - The acquisition strengthens Jazz's presence in the rare oncology space and reinforces its commitment to addressing significant unmet needs in patient populations [4][3] - The collaboration aims to leverage combined R&D and commercial expertise to enhance the development and launch of dordaviprone [3]