BioMarin to Buy Rare Disease Drugmaker Amicus Therapeutics for $4.8B

Core Insights - BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN) has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Amicus Therapeutics (FOLD) for $14.50 per share, totaling $4.8 billion, with the deal expected to close in Q2 2026 [1][6] - The acquisition will enhance BioMarin's portfolio with Amicus' marketed therapies, Galafold and Pombiliti-Opfolda, which generated $449 million in sales in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 19% year-over-year growth [2][6] - BioMarin will also gain exclusive U.S. rights to the late-stage drug DMX-200, aimed at treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease [4][6] Acquisition Details - The acquisition is financed through BioMarin's existing cash and $3.7 billion in non-convertible debt [1] - The deal is expected to be accretive to BioMarin's bottom line within the first 12 months post-closure [8] - BioMarin's strategic fit includes expanding its enzyme therapies portfolio, which already consists of five first-in-disease therapies [7] Market Reaction - Following the acquisition announcement, shares of Amicus Therapeutics rose by 30%, while BioMarin's shares increased by 18% [5] - Year-to-date performance shows BioMarin's shares have decreased by 7%, whereas Amicus shares have increased by nearly 51% [5] Strategic Context - This acquisition aligns with BioMarin's strategy of pursuing partnerships and acquisitions, with an estimated $4-$5 billion available for future growth initiatives [9] - This marks BioMarin's second targeted acquisition in 2023, following the acquisition of Inozyme Pharma for $270 million [10]