Jazz Pharma closes $820M Actio Biosciences deal
Jazz Pharmaceuticals closed an $820 million acquisition of Actio Biosciences, adding ABS-1230, a clinical-stage KCNT1 epilepsy candidate, to its rare disease pipeline.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (JAZZ) completed the acquisition of Actio Biosciences, Inc. for $820 million upfront, making Actio a wholly owned subsidiary through a merger with an indirect Jazz subsidiary. The transaction adds ABS-1230, a clinical-stage, orally available KCNT1 inhibitor for KCNT1-related epilepsy.
ABS-1230 has shown meaningful seizure reductions in an early clinical proof-of-concept trial in children and is described as a potential first-in-class precision therapy. It has received Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug Product designations from the U.S. FDA and entered the agency’s Rare Disease Evidence Principles process.
As part of the deal, certain non-ABS-1230 programs were transferred into a new privately held company funded by existing Actio investors, with Jazz receiving a minority equity stake and related rights, while focusing its ownership of Actio on ABS-1230.
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8-K Event Classification
2 items: 7.01, 9.01
2 items
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Upfront acquisition consideration: $820 million
FDA designations for ABS-1230: 3 designations
Ordinary share nominal value: $0.0001 per share
3 metrics
Upfront acquisition consideration
$820 million
Cash consideration paid by Jazz to acquire Actio Biosciences
FDA designations for ABS-1230
3 designations
Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug Product
Ordinary share nominal value
$0.0001 per share
Nominal value of Jazz Pharmaceuticals ordinary shares
Key Terms
KCNT1-related epilepsy, Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease, Orphan Drug Product, +1 more
5 terms
Fast Track regulatory
"ABS-1230 has received Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan"
A fast track designation is a regulatory label that speeds up the review and communication between a drug developer and regulators for treatments addressing serious illnesses or unmet medical needs. For investors, it matters because it can shorten development time and reduce regulatory delays—like getting a VIP lane at the airport—raising the chance of earlier market access and potential revenue, though it does not guarantee approval.
Rare Pediatric Disease regulatory
"received Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug Product"
A rare pediatric disease is a serious medical condition that primarily affects children and occurs so infrequently that only a small number of patients exist. Investors care because treatments for such conditions often get special regulatory incentives—think of government fast lanes and rewards for developers—making smaller markets potentially profitable due to pricing power, shorter development timelines, and reduced competition, much like a niche product that receives government-backed advantages.
Orphan Drug Product regulatory
"Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug Product designations from the U.S."
precision therapy medical
"a clinical-stage, potential first-in-class precision therapy for KCNT1"
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What transaction did Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) report on September 15, 2026?
Jazz Pharmaceuticals reported the completion of its acquisition of Actio Biosciences, a privately held Delaware corporation. Actio became a wholly owned subsidiary of Jazz through a merger with an indirect Jazz subsidiary named Knight Acquisition Corp.
How much did Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) pay to acquire Actio Biosciences?
Jazz Pharmaceuticals stated that it acquired Actio Biosciences for $820 million upfront. Actio is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Jazz following completion of the merger transaction.
What is ABS-1230, the asset Jazz (JAZZ) obtained in the Actio deal?
ABS-1230 is described as a clinical-stage, orally available small molecule KCNT1 inhibitor for treating KCNT1-related epilepsy. In an early clinical proof-of-concept trial, children receiving ABS-1230 experienced meaningful seizure reductions.
What regulatory designations has ABS-1230 received according to Jazz (JAZZ)?
Jazz reported that ABS-1230 has received Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug Product designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been accepted into the agency’s Rare Disease Evidence Principles process.
What happened to Actio Biosciences’ non-ABS-1230 programs after the acquisition by JAZZ?
As part of the transaction, Actio spun out a new privately held entity holding certain non-ABS-1230 programs. The new company is funded by existing investors, and Jazz received a minority stake and certain related rights in that entity.
How is Actio Biosciences structured within Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) after the merger?
Following the merger, Actio continues as the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. The separate corporate existence of the Jazz acquisition vehicle, Knight Acquisition Corp., ceased at closing.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
JAZZ PHARMACEUTICALS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File No.) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
011-353 -1 -634-7800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On September 15, 2026, Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc, an Irish public limited company (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the completion of the acquisition of Actio Biosciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Actio”). Following the acquisition, Actio became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information contained in this Item 7.01 of this report, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or subject to the liabilities of that section. The information shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any other filing with the SEC made by the Company regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
| (d) | Exhibits | ||||
| Exhibit Number | Description | ||||
| 99.1 | Press Release, dated September 15, 2026, issued by Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc | ||||
| 104 | 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | ||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| JAZZ PHARMACEUTICALS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Philip L. Johnson | |||||||
| Name: | Philip L. Johnson | |||||||
| Title: | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||||
Date: September 15, 2026
Exhibit 99.1
Jazz Pharmaceuticals Completes Acquisition of Actio Biosciences
Acquisition adds ABS-1230, a clinical-stage, potential first-in-class precision therapy for KCNT1-related epilepsy
Transaction strengthens Jazz’s epilepsy pipeline and reinforces its commitment to advance treatment options in rare disease
DUBLIN, September 15, 2026 – Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) (“Jazz” or the “Company”) today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of privately-held Actio Biosciences, Inc. (“Actio”) for $820 million upfront. Actio is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jazz.
“ABS-1230 holds the promise of being a transformative, first-in-class therapy for individuals living with KCNT1-related epilepsy,” said Renee Gala, president and chief executive officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. “By completing the acquisition of Actio Biosciences, we are combining their cutting-edge precision biology with Jazz’s proven global development capabilities. We look forward to partnering with advocates, clinicians, and regulators to move with urgency, rapidly advance this vital treatment, and further diversify our rare disease pipeline.”
ABS-1230 is designed to be a potent and selective orally available small molecule KCNT1 inhibitor for the treatment of KCNT1-related epilepsy. In preclinical studies, ABS-1230 inhibited KCNT1 across all evaluable pathogenic mutations, indicating potential to treat all patients with KCNT1-related epilepsy. In an early clinical proof-of-concept trial, children with KCNT1-related epilepsy who received ABS-1230 experienced meaningful seizure reductions. ABS-1230 has the potential to provide patients with the convenience of an oral therapy. ABS-1230 has received Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug Product designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been accepted into the agency’s Rare Disease Evidence Principles process.
Transaction Details
Jazz completed the acquisition of Actio Biosciences through the merger of Knight Acquisition Corp. (the “Merger Sub”), a Delaware corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Jazz, with and into Actio (the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger, the separate existence of the Merger Sub ceased, and Actio will continue as the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Jazz. As part of the transaction, Actio spun out a new privately-held entity to which certain non-ABS-1230 programs of Actio were transferred. The new, independent private company is funded by existing investors, with Jazz receiving a minority stake and certain related rights.
About Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with rare disease – often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of medicines, including leading therapies addressing epilepsies, cancers and sleep disorders. Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities and employees in multiple countries committed to serving patients worldwide. Please visit www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com for more information.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with rare disease – often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of medicines, including leading therapies addressing epilepsies, cancers and sleep disorders. Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities and employees in multiple countries committed to serving patients worldwide. Please visit www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com for more information.
Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Jazz and Actio, including statements regarding the prospective benefits of the acquisition, including benefits from ABS-1230's potential to become a first-in-class therapy for patients with KCNT1-related epilepsy and Jazz’s unique position to advance ABS-1230 rapidly and deliver a highly targeted, first-in-class therapy for people living with KCNT1-related epilepsy; the potential of ongoing and potential future clinical trials to confirm the clinical benefit of ABS-1230 and build upon the meaningful seizure reductions experienced by children in an early clinical proof-of-concept trial; and other statements that are not historical facts. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include, without limitation: uncertainties as to the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of regulatory approvals or actions, if any; risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period and that Jazz and Actio will not be integrated successfully or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; the effects of the transaction on relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, other business partners or governmental entities; significant transaction costs; unknown or inestimable liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the acquisition; effectively launching and commercializing products and product candidates such as ABS-1230, if approved; the successful completion of development and regulatory activities with respect to ABS-1230; obtaining and maintaining adequate coverage and reimbursement for Jazz's products; the time-consuming and uncertain regulatory approval process; the costly and time-consuming pharmaceutical product development and the uncertainty of clinical success, including risks related to failure or delays in successfully initiating or completing clinical trials and assessing patients, including with respect to current and planned future clinical trials of ABS-1230; global economic, financial, and healthcare system disruptions and the current and potential future negative impacts to Jazz's business operations and financial results; and other risks and uncertainties affecting Jazz, including those described from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in its filings and reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including Jazz's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and future filings and reports. Other risks and uncertainties of which the Company is not currently aware may also affect its forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, even if they are subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date as of which the forward-looking statements were made.
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Jazz Contacts:
Media: CorporateAffairsMediaInfo@jazzpharma.com; Ireland +353 1 637 2141; U.S. +1 215 867 4948
Investor: InvestorInfo@jazzpharma.com; Ireland +353 1 634 7800; U.S. +1 650 496 2717