Takeda agrees deal to purchase Ariad Pharmaceuticals

Takeda has announced the acquisition of Ariad Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth approximately $5.2 billion (4.28 billion pounds).

The deal is expected to considerably strengthen Takeda's positioning in the oncology market, allowing it to expand into solid tumour research for the first time, while reinforcing its existing strength in haematology.

Ariad's portfolio includes brigatinib, which is in development for non-small cell lung cancer and has a peak annual sales potential of more than $1 billion, as well as the approved leukaemia therapy Iclusig.

It is expected that the deal will close by the end of February 2017, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Christophe Weber, president and chief executive officer of Takeda, said: "This is a very exciting time for Takeda as we will broaden our haematology portfolio and transform our global solid tumour franchise through the addition of two innovative targeted therapies."

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