AstraZeneca will acquire Ardea Biosciences for approximately $1.26 billion. Ardea is focused on small-molecule therapeutics; its most advanced product candidate, lesinurad, is currently in Phase III development as a potential treatment for the chronic management of hyperuricaemia in patients with gout.

Lesinurad is a selective inhibitor of URAT1, a transporter in the proximal tubule cells of the kidney that regulates uric acid excretion from the body, which is being developed as an oral, once-daily treatment for the chronic management of hyperuricaemia in patients with gout. NDA and MAA filings are planned for 1H14. AZ plans to develop and commercialize lesinurad in China and Japan. The acquisition will also give AZ access to RDEA3170, a next-generation selective URAT1 inhibitor currently in Phase I development.

"This attractive Phase III program is an excellent opportunity to leverage AstraZeneca's global specialty and primary care sales and marketing capabilities," said David Brennan, chief executive officer of AstraZeneca. "The Ardea team has done a great job developing lesinurad along with a promising next-generation gout program. These compounds have real potential to benefit patients."

The boards of both companies have unanimously approved the terms of the agreement. Subject to shareholder approval from Aread and other regulatory approvals, the transaction will close in the 2Q or 3Q12.