Servier Acquires Agios Pharmaceuticals’ Oncology Portfolio

Servier, a global pharmaceutical company, has successfully completed its acquisition of Agios Pharmaceuticals' commercial, clinical and research-stage oncology portfolio for up to $2 billion plus royalties. The acquisition strengthens Servier's commercial presence in the U.S. malignant hematology market and provides the potential for long-term growth into the solid tumor space.

"We are pleased to welcome an exceptionally talented team that will allow us to strengthen our strategic focus in oncology and expand our scientific capabilities in cellular metabolism," said Olivier Laureau, president of Servier. "It is an important milestone in Servier's oncology strategy as it significantly reinforces the Group's presence in the U.S. Together, with this expanded team, we remain committed to addressing the unmet needs of patients living with cancer across the globe."

"We appreciate the support of our employees, partners and Agios team in ensuring a seamless integration," commented David K. Lee, CEO, Servier Pharmaceuticals. "The addition of Tibsovo and Idhifa to our pipeline allows us to expand our oncology leadership capabilities in the U.S. and accelerate scientific advancements for patients with hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia."

As part of the transaction, U.S.-based Agios employees who primarily support the oncology business will join Servier Pharmaceuticals LLC, a U.S. subsidiary of Servier. 

The transaction includes the transfer to Servier of Agios Pharmaceuticals' oncology portfolio, development pipeline and research programs, notably:

• Tibsovo (ivosidenib tablets), which is approved in the U.S. as monotherapy for the treatment of adults with IDH1-mutant relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and for adults with newly diagnosed IDH1-mutant AML who are ≥75 years old or who have comorbidities that preclude the use of intensive induction chemotherapy. Tibsovo is also under investigation in two Phase 3 combination trials in newly diagnosed AML, and as a potential treatment for IDH1-mutant myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Additionally, last month, a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) was submitted to the FDA for Tibsovo as a potential therapeutic option for patients with previously treated, IDH1-mutated cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in the U.S. A priority review was requested for the application, which, if granted, could result in a six-month review process.  

• Idhifa (enasidenib), a medicine co-promoted with Bristol Myers Squibb in the U.S. where it is approved for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory AML with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2) mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. 

• Vorasidenib, an investigational, brain-penetrant, dual inhibitor of mutant IDH1 and IDH2 which is currently being studied in the registration-enabling Phase 3 INDIGO study in patients with IDH-mutant low-grade glioma. 

• AG-270, an investigational first-in-class methionine adenosyltransferase 2a (MAT2A) inhibitor being evaluated in combination with taxanes in patients with methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deleted non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Under the terms of the transaction agreement, Agios received an upfront payment of $1.8 billion from Servier and is eligible to receive an additional $200 million in a potential regulatory milestone, plus royalties. The transaction has been approved by both companies' respective boards of directors and Agios' shareholders. All regulatory clearances have been received from government authorities outlined in the agreement.