Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has entered a definitive merger agreement to acquire Auspex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for total consideration of approximately $3.2 billion. The transaction expands Teva’s central nervous system (CNS) franchise.  
 
Auspex’s lead investigational product, SD-809 (deutetrabenazine), leverages its deuterium technology platform, and is being developed for the potential treatment of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, tardive dyskinesia, and Tourette syndrome.
 
Following positive Phase III results, the company plans to submit a NDA for SD-809 in Huntington’s disease by mid-2015. SD-809 has been granted orphan drug designation for the treatment of Huntington’s disease by the FDA, and the company expects commercial launch for this indication in 2016.
 
“The acquisition of Auspex is a significant step in strengthening Teva’s leadership position in CNS and advances us into underserved movement disorder markets. We look forward to accelerating the development and commercialization of the Auspex portfolio based on our infrastructure, capabilities and strong commercial and R&D position in CNS,” said Erez Vigodman, president and chief executive officer of Teva.
 
“Teva has established itself as a global leader in CNS diseases, characterized by strong management and commercial execution,” said Pratik Shah, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Auspex. “Importantly, the Teva organization has a commitment to patients that matches our own in developing and commercializing treatments for patients who suffer from movement disorders. This transaction will enhance Auspex’s mission by bringing innovative therapies to patients across the world as quickly and efficiently as possible.”