Acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals Completed

Rhea-AI Summary

Fusion Pharmaceuticals (FUSN), a clinical-stage oncology company, has been acquired by AstraZeneca. This acquisition, completed on June 4, 2024, involves AstraZeneca's subsidiary purchasing all Fusion shares for $21.00 per share in cash, plus a $3.00 per share contingent value right upon regulatory milestone achievement by August 31, 2029. The total transaction value is approximately $2.4 billion. This deal enhances AstraZeneca's oncology portfolio with Fusion's radioconjugates, including FPI-2265 for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Fusion shares will be delisted from Nasdaq and deregistered under U.S. securities laws. The company will cease Canadian public reporting requirements.

Positive

• AstraZeneca acquires Fusion Pharmaceuticals for $21.00 per share in cash.
• Potential additional $3.00 per share if a regulatory milestone is met by August 31, 2029.
• Total transaction value estimated at $2.4 billion.
• Fusion's FPI-2265 program for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer added to AstraZeneca's portfolio.
• Enhancement of AstraZeneca's actinium-based radioconjugates expertise and R&D capabilities.
• Fusion's operations to continue in Canada and the US.
• AstraZeneca strengthens its presence and commitment in Canada.
• Acquisition includes Fusion's $211 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.

Negative

• Fusion shares will be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market.
• Deregistration under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
• Fusion to cease being a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws.
• Potential uncertainty for Fusion's former shareholders regarding contingent value right payout.

Insights

Financial Analyst

AstraZeneca's acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals at $21.00 per share, with an additional contingent value right of $3.00 per share, signifies a total transaction value of approximately $2.4 billion. This move highlights AstraZeneca's strategy to bolster its oncology portfolio. The financial implications are significant as Fusion's shares will be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market, meaning retail investors should be aware of the cessation of trading for Fusion.

From a financial perspective, AstraZeneca's acquisition brings Fusion's cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments worth $211 million onto its balance sheet, enhancing liquidity. This potentially provides AstraZeneca with more capital flexibility to fund future R&D activities or other strategic initiatives. Investors should note the contingent value right, which adds speculative value contingent on regulatory milestones being met by 2029.

In the short term, this acquisition might cause some volatility in AstraZeneca's stock price as the market digests the strategic implications and financial outlay. Long-term, the acquisition should strengthen AstraZeneca's oncology segment and support its growth ambitions by adding advanced RCs, which could lead to new, potentially lucrative cancer treatments.

Oncology Doctor

The acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals by AstraZeneca is poised to have a substantial impact on cancer treatment, especially in the realm of targeted therapies. Fusion's pipeline of radioconjugates (RCs), including FPI-2265 for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), could provide more effective and less toxic treatment options compared to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

From a clinical perspective, RCs represent a promising approach because they deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This acquisition could accelerate the development and accessibility of these advanced treatments. The integration of Fusion's pioneering R&D and manufacturing capabilities into AstraZeneca's robust oncology framework could lead to significant advancements in the field.

For patients, this merger might translate into faster availability of innovative treatments and more comprehensive care options. However, the clinical benefit will ultimately depend on the successful progression through clinical trials and regulatory approvals, which can be a lengthy process.

Market Research Analyst

The market implications of AstraZeneca's acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals are multifaceted. This strategic move is expected to enhance AstraZeneca's market positioning in the oncology sector, particularly in targeted therapies. The acquisition aligns with the broader industry trend towards precision medicine, which is increasingly favored over traditional treatment methods due to better patient outcomes and reduced side effects.

From a market perspective, the addition of Fusion's RCs to AstraZeneca's oncology portfolio could provide a competitive edge. It allows AstraZeneca to diversify its product offerings and address unmet medical needs in advanced prostate cancer and potentially other cancers. This diversification is important in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market, where innovation is key to maintaining and growing market share.

For investors, the success of this acquisition will hinge on AstraZeneca's ability to integrate Fusion's operations seamlessly and to achieve the anticipated regulatory milestones that trigger the contingent value rights. Additionally, the deal may prompt other pharmaceutical companies to pursue similar acquisitions, potentially driving further consolidation in the oncology sector.

HAMILTON, ON and BOSTON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: FUSN), a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation radioconjugates (RCs), announced the successful completion of the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Fusion by a wholly-owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca AB by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act, referred to as the Arrangement. The Arrangement marks a major step forward in AstraZeneca delivering on its ambition to transform cancer treatment and outcomes for patients by replacing traditional regimens like chemotherapy and radiotherapy with more targeted treatments.

The Arrangement complements AstraZeneca's leading oncology portfolio with the addition of the Fusion pipeline of RCs, including their most advanced program, FPI-2265, a potential new treatment for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and brings new expertise and pioneering R&D, manufacturing and supply chain capabilities in actinium-based RCs to AstraZeneca. The Arrangement is also expected to strengthen AstraZeneca's presence in and commitment to Canada.

As a result of the Arrangement, Fusion has become a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca, with operations continuing in Canada and the US. Fusion shares will be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market and deregistered under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Fusion has submitted an application to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws and to otherwise terminate Fusion's Canadian public reporting requirements.

Financial Considerations
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, AstraZeneca, through a subsidiary, has acquired all of Fusion's outstanding shares pursuant to the Arrangement for a price of $21.00 per share in cash at closing plus a non-transferable contingent value right of $3.00 per share in cash payable upon the achievement of a specified regulatory milestone prior to August 31, 2029. Combined, the upfront payment and maximum potential contingent value payment, if achieved, represent a transaction value of approximately $2.4 billion. As part of the Arrangement, AstraZeneca acquired the cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments on Fusion's balance sheet, which totaled $211 million as of March 31, 2024. 

The upfront consideration has been provided to Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, as depositary under the Arrangement, and, along with the contingent value rights, will be delivered to former securityholders (as applicable) of Fusion as soon as practicable on or after the date hereof.

About Fusion
Fusion Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation RCs. Fusion connects alpha particle emitting isotopes to various targeting molecules in order to selectively deliver the alpha emitting payloads to tumors. Fusion's clinical-stage development portfolio includes lead program, FPI-2265, targeting PSMA for mCRPC and novel RCs targeting solid tumors. Fusion has a fully operational Good Manufacturing Practice compliant state-of-the-art radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility to meet supply demand for Fusion's growing pipeline of radioconjugates.

Forward Looking Information
To the extent any statements made in this communication contain information that is not historical, these statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information under Canadian securities law (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Certain statements in this communication may constitute forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of Fusion's management. The use of words such as "may," "will," "could," "should," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," "endeavor," "potential," "continue" or the negative of such words or other similar expressions can be used to identify forward-looking statements. 

Fusion's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors including but not limited to risks related to the ability of Fusion to meet the regulatory milestone, the response of business partners and competitors to the completion of the Arrangement, and/or potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the Arrangement; and  the failure to realize the expected benefits of the Arrangement. Please also refer to the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" and "Special Note Regarding Forward-looking Information" in Fusion's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC"), each as updated by Fusion's continuous disclosure filings, and the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement dated April 25, 2024, all of which are available at www.sec.gov and at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not or the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by its cautionary statement and are made as of the date of this document. Fusion disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

Notes

Radioconjugates in oncology
RCs combine the precise targeting of antibodies, small molecules or peptides with potent medical radioisotopes to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells. By seeking out cancer cells, RCs provide a more precise mechanism of cancer cell killing compared with traditional radiation therapy, with the goal of improving efficacy while minimizing toxicity on healthy cells. RCs are administered via systemic delivery, which enables their use in tumour types not accessible to external beam radiation and the targeting of cancer cells that have spread from the main tumour to other sites in the body.

About FPI-2265
FPI-2265 is an actinium-225 based PSMA-targeting RC for mCRPC, currently in a Phase II trial.

Actinium-225 emits alpha particles and holds the promise of being a next-generation radioisotope in cancer treatment. By delivering a greater radiation dose over a shorter distance, alpha particles such as actinium-225 have the potential for more potent cancer cell killing, and targeted delivery, thereby minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

For further information: Amanda Cray, Senior Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, 617-967-0207, cray@fusionpharma.com

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SOURCE Fusion Pharmaceuticals

FAQ

What is the acquisition price for Fusion Pharmaceuticals (FUSN) by AstraZeneca?

The acquisition price is $21.00 per share in cash, plus a $3.00 per share contingent value right if a regulatory milestone is achieved by August 31, 2029.

When was the acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals by AstraZeneca completed?

The acquisition was completed on June 4, 2024.

What is the total transaction value of AstraZeneca's acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals?

The total transaction value is approximately $2.4 billion.

What will happen to Fusion Pharmaceuticals' shares post-acquisition?

Fusion's shares will be delisted from Nasdaq and deregistered under U.S. securities laws.

How does the acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals impact AstraZeneca's oncology portfolio?

The acquisition adds Fusion's radioconjugates, including FPI-2265, enhancing AstraZeneca's oncology portfolio and actinium-based radioconjugates expertise.

Will Fusion Pharmaceuticals continue its operations after the acquisition by AstraZeneca?

Yes, Fusion's operations will continue in Canada and the US as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca.

What financial assets did AstraZeneca acquire along with Fusion Pharmaceuticals?

AstraZeneca acquired Fusion's cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $211 million as of March 31, 2024.

What are the implications for Fusion Pharmaceuticals' reporting requirements post-acquisition?

Fusion will cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws and will terminate its Canadian public reporting requirements.