Bristol Myers Squibb Completes Acquisition of RayzeBio, Adding Differentiated Actinium-Based Radiopharmaceutical Platform

Rhea-AI Summary

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) completes the acquisition of RayzeBio, Inc. (RYZB) to strengthen its oncology pipeline with radiopharmaceutical therapeutics. The acquisition includes RYZ101, a promising RPT targeting somatostatin receptor 2 in GEP-NETs and ES-SCLC. Bristol Myers Squibb plans to leverage RayzeBio's IND engine and manufacturing facility to accelerate preclinical and clinical programs, offering growth opportunities in the coming years.

Financial Analyst

The acquisition of RayzeBio by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) represents a significant strategic move, as it brings a novel pipeline of radiopharmaceutical therapeutics (RPTs) into BMS’s portfolio, potentially bolstering its oncology offerings. The deal, valued at approximately $4.1 billion, reflects a robust valuation of RayzeBio's assets, particularly its lead program RYZ101, which is in Phase 3 clinical trials. This acquisition price suggests high confidence in RYZ101's market potential and the broader applicability of RPTs.

For investors, the immediate cessation of RayzeBio’s NASDAQ trading post-acquisition is a crucial detail, as it marks the end of direct investment opportunities in RayzeBio. BMS's decision to pay $62.50 per share, a premium price, indicates a strategic priority to enhance its long-term growth prospects, especially in the latter half of the decade. The tender offer's high acceptance rate (approximately 86%) is a testament to shareholder support for the transaction. The financial implications for BMS will depend on the successful integration of RayzeBio and the performance of the RPT pipeline, which could provide a competitive edge in the oncology market.

Oncology Doctor

From a clinical perspective, the acquisition of RayzeBio by BMS is noteworthy due to the potential impact on treatment options for patients with solid tumors. RPTs, like RYZ101, represent an emerging modality in cancer therapy, targeting specific receptors such as the somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) over-expressed in certain cancers. The ongoing Phase 3 trial for RYZ101 in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) patients who have been previously treated with lutetium-177 somatostatin therapies, if successful, could lead to a new standard of care in this patient population.

Moreover, the acquisition includes a state-of-the-art RPT manufacturing facility, which is critical for ensuring the supply of these highly specialized treatments. The ability to produce RPTs in-house could streamline the development process and reduce costs in the long run, potentially improving accessibility for patients. However, the success of these treatments hinges on continued favorable clinical trial results and the ability to navigate the complex regulatory landscape for novel therapeutics.

Market Research Analyst

The strategic acquisition of RayzeBio by BMS underscores the growing importance of RPTs within the pharmaceutical industry. As a new modality for treating solid tumors, RPTs are gaining traction due to their targeted approach, which can potentially offer improved efficacy and reduced side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. The market for RPTs is expected to grow, with estimates projecting significant expansion within the decade.

By acquiring RayzeBio, BMS not only gains access to a promising pipeline but also an innovative platform that could serve as an IND (Investigational New Drug) engine, generating new candidates and potentially expanding BMS's oncology market share. The expected operational start of the acquired RPT manufacturing facility in the first half of 2024 will be a critical milestone for BMS, as it will enhance their production capabilities and could serve as a differentiator in the competitive oncology space. The long-term success of this acquisition will depend on BMS’s ability to effectively integrate RayzeBio's assets and expedite the development of RPT candidates, addressing unmet medical needs and capturing market opportunities.

Adds RYZ101, an IND Engine and Manufacturing Capability, to BMS

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced today that it has successfully completed its acquisition of RayzeBio, Inc. (NASDAQ: RYZB). With the completion of the acquisition, RayzeBio shares have ceased trading on the NASDAQ Global Market and RayzeBio is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb.

“We are excited to complete this transaction, which adds radiopharmaceutical therapeutics (RPTs), one of the fastest-growing new modalities for treating patients with solid tumors,” said Chris Boerner, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Bristol Myers Squibb. “By strengthening and further diversifying our oncology pipeline beyond I-O, we will unlock exciting opportunities that support BMS’s growth in the back half of the decade and beyond. RayzeBio is a pioneer in the application of this novel modality, and we look forward to working with their talented team to accelerate their preclinical and clinical programs for the benefit of patients around the world.”

This transaction brings a promising pipeline of RPTs to Bristol Myers Squibb, including RayzeBio’s lead program RYZ101 (²²⁵Ac-DOTATATE), which targets somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), over-expressed in GEP-NETs and extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). A Phase 3 clinical trial is currently enrolling patients to evaluate RYZ101 in patients with SSTR-positive GEP-NETs who have previously been treated with lutetium-177 based somatostatin therapies. RayzeBio previously reported the interim results of the Phase 1b portion of the ACTION-1 clinical trial, suggesting encouraging efficacy and tolerability. A Phase 1b clinical trial is also currently enrolling patients to evaluate RYZ101 as a first-line treatment of ES-SCLC in combination with standard-of-care therapy. The platform has the potential to be a significant IND engine to generate a number of candidates and comes with a state-of-the-art RPT manufacturing facility, which is expected to begin operating in the first half of 2024.

Bristol Myers Squibb’s previously announced tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RayzeBio common stock for a purchase price of $62.50 per share in cash, or approximately $4.1 billion, expired at one minute after 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on February 22, 2024. Approximately 53,052,499 shares of RayzeBio common stock were validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn from the tender offer, representing approximately 86% of RayzeBio’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock. In accordance with the terms of the tender offer, all shares that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn have been accepted for payment and Bristol Myers Squibb expects to promptly pay for all such shares.

Following completion of the tender offer, Bristol Myers Squibb completed the acquisition of RayzeBio through the merger of its wholly owned subsidiary Rudolph Merger Sub Inc. with and into RayzeBio, without a vote of RayzeBio’s stockholders pursuant to Section 251(h) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. As a result of the merger, each share of common stock of RayzeBio issued and outstanding and not tendered in the tender offer was converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to $62.50, without interest and less any required withholding taxes, the same price offered in the tender offer.

RayzeBio stockholders can direct questions regarding the tender offer to Georgeson LLC, the information agent for the tender offer, toll free at 1-888-815-8542 or by email at rayzebio@georgeson.com.

Advisors

BofA Securities, Inc., is serving as financial advisor to Bristol Myers Squibb, and Covington & Burling LLP is serving as legal counsel. Centerview Partners LLC is serving as financial advisor to RayzeBio, and Cooley LLP is serving as legal counsel.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking-Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” regarding, among other things, the acquisition of RayzeBio by Bristol Myers Squibb. These statements may be identified by the fact they use words such as “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “target,” “may,” “project,” “guidance,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions, and such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Actual results may differ materially from current expectations because of numerous risks and uncertainties including with respect to (i) the risk that the expected benefits or synergies of the acquisition will not be realized, including with respect to RayzeBio’s pipeline of RPTs, (ii) risks associated with legal proceedings instituted related to the merger agreement, and (iii) unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the transaction, the response of business partners and competitors to the consummation of the transaction and/or potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the consummation of the transaction. Forward-looking statements in this communication should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb’s business, particularly those identified in the cautionary factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that may be filed by Bristol Myers Squibb from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Bristol Myers Squibb does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The forward-looking statements made in this communication relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made.

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Source: Bristol Myers Squibb

FAQ

What acquisition did Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) complete recently?

Bristol Myers Squibb completed the acquisition of RayzeBio, Inc. (RYZB).

What is the lead program acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) through the acquisition?

Bristol Myers Squibb acquired RYZ101, a promising RPT targeting somatostatin receptor 2 in GEP-NETs and ES-SCLC.

What clinical trials are ongoing for RYZ101 acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY)?

A Phase 3 clinical trial for SSTR-positive GEP-NETs and a Phase 1b trial for ES-SCLC are currently enrolling patients.

What is the financial impact of the acquisition for Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY)?

The acquisition cost Bristol Myers Squibb approximately $4.1 billion to acquire all outstanding shares of RayzeBio.

Who are the financial and legal advisors for Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) and RayzeBio (RYZB) in this acquisition?

BofA Securities, Inc. and Covington & Burling LLP are advising Bristol Myers Squibb, while Centerview Partners LLC and Cooley LLP are advising RayzeBio.