Incyte Agrees to Acquire Vega Therapeutics for $1.25B

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Incyte has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Vega Therapeutics Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics LLC, for $1.25 billion.

The proposed acquisition would add Vega Therapeutics’ lead candidate, VGA039, a novel monoclonal antibody, to Incyte’s hematology portfolio.

VGA039 modulates Protein S to improve hemostasis, potentially improving the body’s ability to control bleeding in numerous bleeding disorders. It is in Phase 3 pivotal development for patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder, and has the potential to be the first subcutaneous prophylactic therapy with a convenient dosing regimen for patients with VWD who currently require frequent intravenous infusions.

“VGA039 fits directly into our strategy of building a top-tier growth company for the future,” said Bill Meury, CEO of Incyte. “It is a first-in-class, Phase 3 asset with compelling early data, a manageable development path and the potential to become an important new growth driver in one of our core therapeutic areas – hematology. The transaction has all of the attributes we look for in business development opportunities.”

Star Therapeutics will be eligible to receive up to $750 million in additional payments upon the achievement of sales milestones, for total potential consideration of up to $2.0 billion subject to customary closing adjustments.

The transaction has been approved by both Incyte’s and Star Therapeutics’ Boards of Directors. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, Incyte will acquire all the outstanding shares of Vega Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics. The transaction is an equity acquisition and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.

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