Novartis Acquires Xiidra from Takeda for $3.4 Billion to Strengthen Ophthalmology Portfolio

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has learned that on July 1, Novartis acquired the Xiidra (5% lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) business from Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for $3.4 billion in cash plus up to $1.9 billion in potential milestone payments.

Christophe Weber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, stated: “This transaction represents a significant step in Takeda’s strategy, which focuses on streamlining our portfolio around gastroenterology (GI), rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, and neuroscience to achieve long-term growth and create maximum value for patients and shareholders. We have made solid progress in simplifying our portfolio and achieving our deleveraging objectives. The clinical efficacy of Xiidra for patients is encouraging, and we believe Novartis will be a strong advocate for this innovative therapy.”

Novartis CEO Paul Hudson stated that Xiidra offers a unique dual benefit, not only generating substantial profits for the company but also benefiting patients. Novartis will leverage its robust commercial network and strong team to make this medication available to a broader patient population. Under Novartis’ stewardship, Xiidra is poised to become the next blockbuster drug with annual sales exceeding $1 billion.

Dry Eye Disease (DED), also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), is a collective term for various conditions characterized by abnormalities in the quality, quantity, or dynamics of tears due to any cause, leading to decreased tear film stability and accompanied by ocular discomfort or signs of ocular surface tissue pathology. It is currently the most common ocular surface disease, primarily treated with artificial tears.

Xiidra is a novel small-molecule integrin inhibitor and the first prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for the treatment of dry eye disease. The drug’s mechanism of action targets inflammation by binding to lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), thereby blocking its interaction with the cognate ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). LFA-1 is a protein expressed on the surface of leukocytes. In dry eye disease, ICAM-1 is overexpressed in corneal and conjunctival tissues. The interaction between LFA-1 and ICAM-1 promotes the formation of immunological synapses, leading to T-cell activation and migration to target tissues.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code: 4502 / New York Stock Exchange Code: TAK) is a research and development-driven global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, dedicated to translating scientific research into highly innovative medicines and advancing novel treatment approaches to improve patient health and create a brighter future.

Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: oncology, gastroenterology (GI), rare diseases, and neuroscience, while also developing plasma-derived therapies and vaccines.

Novartis AG, established in 1996, is a global healthcare company headquartered in Switzerland. The company boasts a diversified portfolio spanning innovative patented medicines, eye care, generic pharmaceuticals, consumer health, vaccines, and diagnostics, dedicated to developing disease solutions to meet the growing needs of patients worldwide.

(Compiled by Zhou Hui)