AstraZeneca’s MedImmune is to acquire Definiens

AstraZeneca has revealed that its global biologics research and development arm MedImmune is to enter into an agreement to acquire imaging and data analysis technology firm Definiens.

The terms of the deal will see MedImmune receive 100 percent of Definiens’ shares for an initial sum of $150 million (94.78 million pounds). It will also make additional predetermined milestones payments to the acquired firm. Definiens will continue to operate its business with third-party customers. 

The agreement will work to strengthen MedImmune’s focus on the discovery of predictive biomarkers in immuno-oncology. It is believed that using biomarkers to select patients for clinical trials could potentially cut down timelines and increase response rates.

As a result of this, the technology will be an important tool in the advancement of the most promising combination therapies across AstraZeneca’s combined small molecule and biologics pipeline – 80 percent of which currently has a personalised healthcare approach.

Dr. Bahija Jallal, executive vice-president of MedImmune commented: “Harnessing this groundbreaking technology will reinforce our approach to developing companion diagnostics that help us in selecting the patients who would benefit the most from therapies across our small molecule and biologics portfolios.”

AstraZeneca recently completed the takeover of Almirall’s respiratory franchise, in a deal worth around $2.1 billion.