Avacta Increases Equity Stake in AffyXell Therapeutics after Milestone

Astellas Pharma Acquires Xyphos Biosciences

December 26, 2019

Biotechnology

Astellas Pharma has acquired Xyphos Biosciences, gaining Xyphos' ACCEL convertible-CAR technology platform and immuno-oncology talent. The deal included $120 million paid at closing and potential milestone payments bringing the total transaction value to up to $665 million.

GSK Acquires Affinivax, Inc.

August 16, 2022

Biotechnology

GSK plc acquired clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Affinivax, Inc., paying $2.1 billion upfront and up to $1.2 billion in potential development milestones to gain the MAPS vaccine platform and a 24‑valent pneumococcal vaccine candidate (AFX3772) in development. The acquisition (100% of outstanding shares) expands GSK's vaccines R&D capabilities and pipeline, with AFX3772 in phase II and preparations underway for phase III.

Gilead Sciences To Acquire Arcellx for $7.8 Billion to Strengthen CAR T-Cell Portfolio

February 21, 2026

Biotechnology

Gilead Sciences entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Arcellx, Inc. for $115 per share in cash plus a contingent value right of $5 per share, implying an equity value of about $7.8 billion. The deal is designed to give Gilead full control of Arcellx’s anito-cel (anito-cabtagene autoleucel) BCMA-directed CAR T therapy, eliminating profit-sharing and related payments while accelerating development and commercialization.

Bayer AG Acquires Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio)

October 26, 2020

Biotechnology

Bayer AG agreed to acquire U.S.-headquartered Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio), adding AskBio's AAV-based gene therapy platform, IP and CDMO manufacturing capabilities to Bayer’s emerging cell and gene therapy unit. Bayer will pay $2.0 billion upfront plus up to $2.0 billion in potential milestone payments; existing minority shareholders TPG Capital and Vida Ventures supported the transaction.

Sorrento Therapeutics Acquires ACEA Therapeutics

June 1, 2021

Biotechnology

Sorrento Therapeutics completed the acquisition of ACEA Therapeutics, making ACEA a wholly owned subsidiary and issuing Sorrento common stock plus contingent milestone and royalty payments. The deal adds multiple clinical- and preclinical-stage new chemical entities (including abivertinib) to Sorrento's oncology and immunotherapy pipeline and expands its development and manufacturing footprint in China and North America.

Cambrex Acquires Avista Pharma Solutions

January 2, 2019

Pharmaceuticals

Cambrex Corporation completed the acquisition of Avista Pharma Solutions from Ampersand Capital Partners in a transaction announced November 20, 2018 and completed January 2019 (reported consideration about $252 million). The deal brings Avista’s early‑stage drug development, analytical/testing and finished dosage capabilities (sites in Longmont, CO; Durham, NC; Agawam, MA; and Edinburgh, UK) into Cambrex’s global CDMO network to expand capabilities and cross‑sell services.