Bristol Myers Squibb Strengthens Neuroscience Portfolio with Acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics
- Karuna's lead asset, KarXT, is expected to launch in the U.S. for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act Date of September 26, 2024.
- KarXT has meaningful and expanding revenue potential in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease psychosis, as well as in additional indications such as Bipolar I disorder and Alzheimer's disease agitation.
- The transaction represents a significant revenue contribution opportunity for Bristol Myers Squibb and strengthens its position in neuroscience.
- Bristol Myers Squibb's strong financial profile enables continued commitment to strong investment-grade credit ratings and investment for growth through business development opportunities and distributions to shareholders.
- The transaction is expected to be dilutive to Bristol Myers Squibb’s non-GAAP diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.30 in 2024 from the financing cost of the transaction.
- There are no approved treatments for Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, posing a potential risk to the success of KarXT in this indication.
Insights
The acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics by Bristol Myers Squibb for a total equity value of approximately $14.0 billion represents a significant strategic move in the pharmaceutical industry. The premium of approximately 53% over Karuna's closing stock price prior to the announcement indicates a strong belief in the value of Karuna's portfolio, particularly its lead asset, KarXT. This transaction is expected to be dilutive to Bristol Myers Squibb’s non-GAAP diluted earnings per share by roughly $0.30 in 2024, which investors should consider when evaluating the short-term financial impact.
From a long-term perspective, the potential of KarXT as a treatment for schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, conditions with a substantial unmet medical need, could lead to significant revenue streams. The fact that there are no approved treatments for Alzheimer's disease psychosis underscores the potential market opportunity. However, investors should be aware of the risks associated with drug development, including clinical trial outcomes and regulatory approval processes.
The financing of the acquisition primarily through new debt issuance might affect Bristol Myers Squibb's leverage ratios, yet the company's commitment to maintaining strong investment-grade credit ratings suggests confidence in its financial management and future cash flows.
KarXT's differentiated efficacy and safety profile, targeting the M1 and M4 muscarinic receptors, is noteworthy in the context of neuroscience. The drug's improvements in cognition and lack of common side effects associated with current antipsychotics position it as a potentially transformative treatment. Given the approximately 1.6 million people treated for schizophrenia in the U.S. alone and the more than 6 million living with Alzheimer’s disease, the market potential for KarXT is substantial.
Investors should note that the data from ongoing registrational clinical trials for adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia and for Alzheimer’s disease psychosis is expected in 2025 and 2026, respectively. These milestones are critical for the drug's commercial success and will be closely monitored. The expansion into additional indications, such as Bipolar I disorder and Alzheimer’s disease agitation, could further increase the drug's market potential.
The transaction between Bristol Myers Squibb and Karuna Therapeutics is indicative of the growing interest in the neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative therapeutic area within the pharmaceutical industry. The move to acquire Karuna aligns with Bristol Myers Squibb's strategic focus on neuroscience, a field that has seen less pharmaceutical investment in recent years compared to oncology and immunology. This acquisition could signal a resurgence of interest and investment in neuroscience.
The acquisition's timing, with a PDUFA date set for September 2024 for KarXT, suggests that Bristol Myers Squibb is positioning itself to capitalize on KarXT's market entry. The emphasis on Karuna's early-stage and pre-clinical pipeline also indicates a long-term investment in innovation beyond the immediate prospects of KarXT.
Transaction Delivers KarXT, a First-in-Class M1 / M4 Muscarinic Receptor Agonist, with Differentiated Efficacy and Safety
KarXT Is a Potential First-in-Class Treatment for Schizophrenia and as an Adjunctive Therapy, and First-in-Disease Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease Psychosis, with Promise in Additional Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Indications
KarXT Is Expected to Launch in the
Bristol Myers Squibb to Host a Conference Call Today at 8:00 a.m. ET
Karuna is a biopharmaceutical company driven to discover, develop and deliver transformative medicines for people living with psychiatric and neurological conditions. Karuna’s lead asset, KarXT (xanomeline-trospium), is an antipsychotic with a novel mechanism of action (MoA) and differentiated efficacy and safety. Karuna’s New Drug Application (NDA) for KarXT for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults was accepted for review by the
“There are tremendous opportunities in neuroscience, and Karuna strengthens our position and accelerates the expansion and diversification of our portfolio in the space. We expect KarXT to enhance our growth through the late 2020s and into the next decade,” said Christopher Boerner, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Myers Squibb. “This transaction fits squarely within our business development priorities of pursuing assets that are strategically aligned, scientifically sound, financially attractive, and have the potential to address areas of significant unmet medical need. We look forward to welcoming the talented Karuna team to Bristol Myers Squibb.”
“Schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease psychosis affect millions of people worldwide, with limited to no treatment options. KarXT’s novel mechanism has resulted in a transformational profile in schizophrenia, with compelling efficacy and a differentiated safety profile,” said Samit Hirawat, M.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Drug Development of Bristol Myers Squibb. “KarXT also has the potential to deliver meaningful benefits to patients as an adjunctive treatment for patients with schizophrenia and as a first treatment for Alzheimer’s disease psychosis.”
Bill Meury, President and Chief Executive Officer of Karuna Therapeutics, said, “Karuna’s portfolio offers advancements in treatment not seen in many years. With Bristol Myers Squibb’s long-standing expertise in developing and commercializing medicines on a global scale and legacy in neuroscience, KarXT and the other assets in our pipeline will be well-positioned to reach those living with schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease psychosis. This announcement is a testament to the Karuna team’s talent, hard work, and innovation.”
Delivering Meaningful Benefits to Patients with KarXT
KarXT targets both the M1 and M4 muscarinic receptors, resulting in a differentiated safety and efficacy profile. KarXT has demonstrated improvements in cognition and is not associated with common side effects of currently approved treatments, including weight gain, extrapyramidal symptoms, increased prolactin levels, akathisia and/or sedation.
Given this differentiated profile, KarXT has meaningful and expanding revenue potential in schizophrenia and with upside in additional indications and geographies:
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Schizophrenia: KarXT is expected to launch in late 2024 in the
U.S. as a treatment for schizophrenia in adults. There are approximately 1.6 million1 people treated for schizophrenia in theU.S. , a significant portion of whom do not respond to currently available therapies and experience unacceptable side effects. - Adjunctive schizophrenia: A registrational clinical trial is currently underway evaluating KarXT as adjunctive treatment with current standard of care agents for the treatment of schizophrenia, with data expected in 2025.
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Alzheimer’s disease psychosis: Registrational clinical trials are currently underway evaluating KarXT for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, with data expected in 2026. There are more than 6 million2 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the
U.S. There are currently no approved treatments for Alzheimer’s disease psychosis. -
Additional indications: Bristol Myers Squibb believes KarXT also has potential in additional indications, including Bipolar I disorder, which impacts approximately 1.4 million1 people in the
U.S. , and Alzheimer’s disease agitation.
The transaction is expected to be dilutive to Bristol Myers Squibb’s non-GAAP diluted earnings per share by approximately
Transaction Terms and Financing
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Bristol Myers Squibb will acquire all outstanding shares of Karuna common stock for
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of Karuna stockholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals.
Conference Call Information
Bristol Myers Squibb will host a conference call today, Friday, December 22, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. ET during which company executives will review and discuss the transaction and address inquiries from investors and analysts. Investors and the general public are invited to listen to a live webcast of the call at http://investor.bms.com.
Investors and the public can register for the live conference call here. Those unable to register can access the live conference call by dialing in the
A replay of the webcast will be available at http://investor.bms.com approximately three hours after the conference call concludes. A replay of the conference call will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET on December 22, 2023, through 11:30 a.m. ET on January 4, 2024, by dialing in the
Advisors
Gordon Dyal & Co. and Citi are serving as financial advisors to Bristol Myers Squibb, and Covington & Burling LLP is serving as legal counsel. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Karuna, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal counsel.
About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
About Karuna Therapeutics
Karuna Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company driven to discover, develop, and deliver transformative medicines for people living with psychiatric and neurological conditions. At Karuna, we understand there is a need for differentiated and more effective treatments that can help patients navigate the challenges presented by serious mental illness. Utilizing our extensive knowledge of neuroscience, we are harnessing the untapped potential of the brain in pursuit of novel pathways to develop medicines that make meaningful differences in peoples’ lives. For more information, please visit www.karunatx.com.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics by Bristol Myers Squibb, Karuna Therapeutics intends to file a preliminary and definitive proxy statement. The definitive proxy statement and proxy card will be delivered to the stockholders of Karuna Therapeutics in advance of the special meeting relating to the proposed acquisition. This press release is not a substitute for the proxy statement or any other document that may be filed by Karuna Therapeutics with the SEC. KARUNA THERAPEUTICS’ STOCKHOLDERS AND INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY EACH OF BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB AND KARUNA THERAPEUTICS WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and such other documents containing important information about Bristol Myers Squibb and Karuna Therapeutics, once such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Bristol Myers Squibb and Karuna Therapeutics make available free of charge at Bristol Myers Squibb’s website at www.bms.com/investors and Karuna Therapeutics’ website at https://karunatx.com/, respectively, copies of materials they file with, or furnish to, the SEC.
Participants in the Solicitation
This press release does not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. Bristol Myers Squibb, Karuna Therapeutics and their respective directors, executive officers and certain employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Karuna Therapeutics in connection with the proposed acquisition. Information regarding Bristol Myers Squibb’s directors and executive officers is contained in Bristol Myer Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on February 14, 2023, and its definitive proxy statement for the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 23, 2023. Information regarding Karuna Therapeutics’ directors and executive officers is contained in Karuna Therapeutics’ definitive proxy statement for the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 27, 2023. To the extent holdings of Bristol Myers Squibb’s or Karuna Therapeutics’ securities by their respective directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in such 2023 proxy statements, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the definitive proxy statement relating to the proposed acquisition when it is filed with the SEC. These documents (when available) may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, Bristol Myers Squibb’s website at www.bms.com and Karuna Therapeutics’ website at https://karunatx.com/.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things, the proposed acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics by Bristol Myers Squibb, the expected timetable for completing the transaction, future opportunities for the combined businesses, the expected benefits of Bristol Myers Squibb’s acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics and the development and commercialization of Karuna Therapeutics’ product candidates, including the therapeutic and commercial potential of KarXT and Karuna Therapeutics’ other technologies and products in development. These statements may be identified by the fact they use words such as “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “target,” “may,” “project,” “guidance,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions, and such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially because of numerous risks and uncertainties including with respect to (i) the approval of Karuna Therapeutics’ stockholders of the proposed acquisition, which may be delayed or may not be obtained, (ii) the risk that the expected benefits or synergies of the acquisition will not be realized, (iii) the risk that legal proceedings may be instituted related to the merger agreement, (iv) any competing offers or acquisition proposals for Karuna Therapeutics, (v) the possibility that various conditions to the consummation of the acquisition may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the acquisition and (vii) unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the proposed acquisition, including the response of business partners and competitors to the announcement of the proposed acquisition or difficulties in employee retention as a result of the announcement and pendency of the proposed acquisition. The actual financial impact of this transaction may differ from the expected financial impact described in this press release. In addition, the compounds described in this press release are subject to all the risks inherent in the drug development process, and there can be no assurance that the development of these compounds will be commercially successful. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb’s business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and Karuna Therapeutics’ business, particularly those identified in the risk factors discussion in Karuna Therapeutics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as other documents that may be filed by Bristol Myers Squibb or Karuna Therapeutics from time to time with the SEC. Neither Bristol Myers Squibb nor Karuna Therapeutics undertakes any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information and Financial Guidance
In discussing financial guidance, Bristol Myers Squibb refers to financial measures that are not in accordance with
Non-GAAP earnings and related EPS information are adjusted to exclude certain costs, expenses, gains and losses and other specified items that are evaluated on an individual basis after considering their quantitative and qualitative aspects and typically have one or more of the following characteristics, such as being highly variable, difficult to project, unusual in nature, significant to the results of a particular period or not indicative of past or future operating results. These items are excluded from non-GAAP earnings and related EPS information because Bristol Myers Squibb believes they neither relate to the ordinary course of Bristol Myers Squibb’s business nor reflect Bristol Myers Squibb’s underlying business performance. Similar charges or gains were recognized in prior periods and will likely reoccur in future periods.
Because the non-GAAP financial measures are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered superior to or as a substitute for the related financial measures that are prepared in accordance with GAAP and are not intended to be considered in isolation and may not be the same as or comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies due to possible differences in method and in the items being adjusted. We encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.
A reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP measures presented in this communication is not provided due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying items that are necessary for such reconciliation. Namely, we are not able to reliably predict the impact of specified items such as unwind of inventory purchase price adjustments, accelerated depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and stock compensation resulting from acquisition-related equity awards, or currency exchange rates beyond the next twelve months. As a result, the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is not available without unreasonable effort. In addition, Bristol Myers Squibb believes such a reconciliation would imply a degree of precision and certainty that could be confusing to investors. The variability of the specified items may have a significant and unpredictable impact on our future GAAP results. In addition, the non-GAAP financial guidance in this communication excludes the impact of any potential additional future strategic acquisitions and divestitures and any specified items that have not yet been identified and quantified. The financial guidance is subject to risks and uncertainties applicable to all forward-looking statements as described elsewhere in this communication.
1 Source: DRG – Clarivate, as of July 2023.
2 Source: “Alzheimer’s Disease Association Facts and Figures,” 2023.
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Bristol Myers Squibb
Media Inquiries:
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Karuna Therapeutics
Investors:
Alexis Smith
+1 (617) 352-9917
asmith@karunatx.com
Source: Bristol Myers Squibb
FAQ
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