Deciphera Pharma to be Acquired for $2.4 Billion

Waltham-based Deciphera Pharmaceuticals has announced it is being acquired by Japan’s ONO Pharmaceutical Company for $2.4 billion. Deciphera is focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing new cancer medicines and brings specialized R&D and development capabilities in kinase drug discovery, well-established commercial and sales platforms in the United States and Europe, and global clinical development capabilities. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, including U.S. antitrust clearance.

Upon the successful completion of the tender offer, ONO’s wholly-owned subsidiary will merge with and into Deciphera, with Deciphera continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ONO

Describing the acquisition, Deciphera President and CEO Steven Hoerter said, “Deciphera and ONO share a deep commitment to improve the lives of people living with cancer, and the transaction…enables us to make even greater impact for patients. Together, we expect to advance and accelerate each organization’s important work through combined research and development capabilities and a global commercial footprint…”

Upon completion of the aquisition, Deciphera will operate as a standalone business of ONO Group, from its headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. (Source: Deciphera Pharmaceuticals Website, 29 April, 2024)