AstraZeneca pays USD 4.1 billion for diabetes buyout

Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca PLC will buy out Bristol-Myers Squibb Co's stake in their partnership to develop and sell diabetes drugs in a deal worth USD 4.1 billion seizing an opportunity to serve the projected explosion of patients suffering from the disease.
The package announced today includes USD 2.7 billion to buy Bristol-Myers' 50 per cent share, as well as up to USD 1.4 billion in regulatory, launch and sales related payments. Payments of up to USD 225 million may also be made after the transfer of certain assets.
"Together with Bristol-Myers Squibb we concluded that consolidating ownership of the diabetes portfolio would benefit both companies and allow us to better serve the needs of diabetic patients," said Pascal Soriot, chief executive officer of AstraZeneca.

"Today's announcement reinforces AstraZeneca's long-term commitment to diabetes, a core strategic area for us and an important platform for returning AstraZeneca to growth."
But in a reminder of the uncertainties of the business, AstraZeneca said it would incur a USD 1.7 billion pretax charge connected to the diabetes drug Bydureon whose sales were below expectations. However, it said it remains confident in the drug's commercial future.
The buyout comes as AstraZeneca undergoes a major research and development re-organisation to offset the expiration on patents for drugs like cholesterol medication, Crestor. The plan is meant to reduce costs and make research programs more productive amid big drops in revenue and net income last year.

Like other big pharmaceutical firms, AstraZeneca has faced the pinch from rising research costs, a surge in generic competition and the demands of government health programs to hold down spending.

But in diabetes, the company sees the possibility of growth as 550 million people may be affected by 2030, particularly in emerging markets, where the company has a strong presence.
"Diabetes is rapidly becoming a global challenge of epidemic proportions," Soriot said.
Once the deal is completed, AstraZeneca will own rights for drugs such as Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR, which are used for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the vast majority of diagnosed diabetes in adults.

It expects about 4,100 Bristol-Myers Squibb employees working on diabetes issues will eventually transition to AstraZeneca, though some will remain to support the transition.