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Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taiho Pharmaceutical to acquire Araris Biotech for up to $1.14 billion
-- On Monday, Taiho Pharmaceutical (TADAWUL:2070) Co., Ltd. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Araris Biotech AG, a Swiss biotech company specializing in next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). The $400 million deal, with additional milestone payments up to $740 million, is set to be completed in the first half of 2025. The agreement follows a research collaboration initiated in November 2023 between the two companies. Araris, emerging from the Paul-Scherrer-Institute in Switzerland, is known for its innovative ADCs which offer improved design, high linker solubility, and simpler manufacturing. These advancements aim to overcome the limitations of existing ADCs. Their proprietary ADC linker platform, AraLinQ™, has produced ADC candidates that are more uniform, stable, and potent, showing greater safety and antitumor effects in preclinical studies. Araris is also progressing three preclinical-stage products for hematological and solid tumors, expected to enter clinical trials between 2025 and 2026. Taiho Pharmaceutical, recognized for its antimetabolites and small molecule drug discovery platform Cysteinomix, aims to enhance cancer treatment and patient care. The acquisition of Araris will complement Taiho's portfolio, particularly in oncology drug discovery. Masayuki Kobayashi, President of Taiho Pharmaceutical, expressed confidence that Araris' expertise and technology will significantly enhance Taiho's drug discovery capabilities. Dima Kuzmin of 4BIO Capital commended the acquisition, emphasizing Taiho's capability to expedite the development of Araris' treatments. "We are proud to combine with Taiho and aim to turbo-charge the clinical development of our potent antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidates in hematological and solid tumors," Dragan Grabulovski, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Araris Biotech, told following the annoucement. "The Araris approach is unique because it creates smart missile ADCs by attaching multiple cancer-fighting payloads to a single antibody in one step that mimic successful chemotherapy combinations in a targeted fashion to overcome persistent challenges of cancer resistance. Araris' ADCs can potentially be safer and more efficacious than other ADCs because their proprietary conjugation technology AraLinQ™ connects the linker-payload to the antibody with exceptional stability, resulting in precise payload delivery to the tumor target and less toxicity in the bloodstream." Grabulovski added, "We have been able to build a strong relationship with the Taiho team starting with our research collaboration that began in November 2023. In the course of this research collaboration, ADCs were created using Araris' technology using antibodies to undisclosed targets. We look forward to working together to advance the future of cancer care." Post-acquisition, Araris will operate as a fully owned subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical, continuing its operations and research in Zurich, Switzerland. Their AraLinQ™ technology is notable for its site-specific payload attachment, maintaining antibody performance and exceptional stability, while improving solubility and enabling the delivery of multiple payloads. MTS Health Partners, L.P, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich&Rosati PC, and Homburger AG are advising Taiho Pharmaceutical, while Centerview Partners UK LLP, Cooley LLP, and BGPartner Ltd are advising Araris on the transaction. Related Articles Taiho Pharmaceutical to acquire Araris Biotech for up to $1.14 billion Alphabet to buy Wiz for $32 billion in its biggest deal to boost cloud security .P. Morgan sees 20% upside in Rio Tinto, rates stock Overweight on copper growth Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
4BIO Capital Portfolio Company Araris Biotech to be Acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical for up to USD 1.14 billion
Press Release 4BIO Capital Portfolio Company Araris Biotech to be Acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical for up to USD 1.14 billion London, United Kingdom, 17 March 2025 – 4BIO Capital ('4BIO' or 'the Group'), an international venture capital firm unlocking the treatments of the future by investing in advanced therapies and other emerging technologies, today announces that its portfolio company, Araris Biotech AG ('Araris' or 'the Company'), a Swiss oncology biotech company developing next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd ('Taiho Pharmaceutical'). The acquisition follows a research collaboration between Taiho Pharmaceutical and Araris signed in November 2023 and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, Taiho Pharmaceutical will pay a USD 400 million upfront, with the potential for additional milestone payments of up to USD 740 million, and for a total amount of up to USD 1.14 billion. Araris has been an investment out of 4BIO Capital Fund II, and the 4BIO team is proud to have actively supported the fast development and acquisition since the initial investment in 2020. In early 2020, 4BIO Capital recognised the significant potential of next-generation ADCs, however came to the conclusion that linker technologies needed to be improved to take the field to the next level. The 4BIO team subsequently identified Araris as the best-in-class linker-payload ADC platform to address the shortcomings of current generation ADCs. The Company's AraLinQ™ technology enables the attachment of multiple, synergistic cancer-fighting payloads to a single antibody in an efficient one-step process, whilst ensuring long-term stability and safety of the resulting ADC, as well as increased antitumour effect compared to conventional ADCs. 4BIO Capital supported the company in the development of AraLinQ™ and its proprietary pipeline, leading its Series A in 2022 and supporting the company through multiple large pharma partnerships both as an investor and from the Board with Managing Partner Dima Kuzmin as Chairman, and Brian McVeigh and Dr Therese Liechtenstein as Board Observers. Araris is advancing three products for the treatment of haematological and solid tumours developed using its unique AraLinQ™ technology, all of which are currently in the preclinical stage. These products are anticipated to enter into clinical trials between 2025 and 2026 and will benefit from Taiho Pharmaceutical's clinical development expertise. Dr Dmitry (Dima) Kuzmin, Managing Partner at 4BIO Capital and Chairman of Araris, commented, 'The success of Araris is a perfect example of the 4BIO Capital playbook. We identified the technological hurdle that needed to be overcome to empower an up-and-coming drug class, identified the best science and the people to solve it and, alongside Araris' management team, supported the company to secure multiple pharma partnerships, develop its own pipeline and now become part of the Taiho group. This acquisition confirms Araris' position as one of the most exciting ADC companies in the market and has the potential to return over two times the fund to 4BIO Ventures II investors, further validating our science-driven, high conviction seed investment strategy.' Dr Dragan Grabulovski, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Araris added, 'We sincerely appreciate the support of Dima and the entire team at 4BIO in shaping our company, advancing our science, and helping us reach this important milestone. It's the kind of investor that brings not only money to the table but also valuable strategic guidance, a network of industry connections, and a shared vision for transforming cancer treatment. Araris has developed a unique ADC technology that delivers different cancer-fighting drugs directly to tumours with high precision. This approach allows multiple treatment methods to work together at the same time while reducing harmful side effects. We are excited to join forces with Taiho Pharmaceutical whose deep expertise in oncology will be instrumental in accelerating the clinical development of our promising ADC candidates for both haematological and solid tumours.' Philippe Fauchet OBE, Venture Partner at 4BIO Capital added, 'We are delighted to see a seed investment we made in Europe find a skilled partner in a pioneering Japanese pharma company and are very happy to have facilitated the closer partnership. This deal further validates our strategy of building strong bridges between the Japanese and European biotech and pharma companies, which we believe will bring significant benefits to both ecosystems.' Details of the acquisition can be found in the press release from Araris and Taiho Pharmaceutical here. – End – Contacts 4BIO Capital +44 (0) 203 427 5500info@ ICR HealthcareAmber Fennell, Jonathan Edwards, Kris Lam +44 (0)20 3709 57004biocapital@ About 4BIO Capital 4BIO Capital ('4BIO') is an international venture capital firm focused on investing in advanced therapies, including genomic medicines and other emerging technologies, to unlock the treatments of the future. 4BIO's objective is to invest in, support, and grow early-stage companies developing treatments in areas of high unmet medical need, with the ultimate goal of ensuring access to these potentially curative therapies for all patients. Specifically, it looks for viable, high-quality opportunities in cell and gene therapy, RNA-based therapy, targeted therapies, and the microbiome. The 4BIO team comprises leading advanced therapy scientists and experienced life science investors who have collectively published over 250 scientific articles in prestigious academic journals including Nature, The Lancet, Cell, and the New England Journal of Medicine. 4BIO has both an unrivalled network within the advanced therapy sector and a unique understanding of the criteria that define a successful investment opportunity in this space. For more information, connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter @4biocapital and visit About Araris Biotech AG Araris Biotech is a leading independent company pioneering the future of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and redefining the entire paradigm of targeted cancer therapy and beyond. Araris' vision is a world without chemotherapy and its proprietary conjugation and groundbreaking multi-payload technology represents a quantum leap forward in ADC design, enabling the transformation of any antibody into an ADC with the goal of better safety and efficacy. By enabling the attachment of multiple, synergistic cancer-fighting payloads to a single antibody in an efficient one-step process, Araris is creating a new generation of smart missiles that deliver the potency of combination chemotherapy in a targeted fashion in order to tackle the persistent challenges of cancer resistance. Araris' investors include 4BIO Capital, b2venture, Pureos Bioventures, Redalpine, Schroders Capital, VI Partners, Wille AG, Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation and Samsung Ventures. For more information about our science and pipeline, please visit About Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Taiho Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. ( is an R&D-driven specialty pharma focusing on the fields of oncology and immune-related diseases. Its corporate philosophy takes the form of a pledge: 'We strive to improve human health and contribute to a society enriched by smiles.' In the field of oncology, in particular, Taiho Pharmaceutical is known as a leading company in Japan for developing innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, a reputation that is rapidly expanding through their extensive global R&D efforts. In areas other than oncology, as well, the company creates and markets quality products that effectively treat medical conditions and can help improve people's quality of life. Always putting customers first, Taiho Pharmaceutical also aims to offer consumer healthcare products that support people's efforts to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. For more information about Taiho Pharmaceutical, please visit in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
4BIO Capital Portfolio Company Araris Biotech to be Acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical for up to USD 1.14 billion
Press Release 4BIO Capital Portfolio Company Araris Biotech to be Acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical for up to USD 1.14 billion London, United Kingdom, 17 March 2025 – 4BIO Capital ('4BIO' or 'the Group'), an international venture capital firm unlocking the treatments of the future by investing in advanced therapies and other emerging technologies, today announces that its portfolio company, Araris Biotech AG ('Araris' or 'the Company'), a Swiss oncology biotech company developing next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd ('Taiho Pharmaceutical'). The acquisition follows a research collaboration between Taiho Pharmaceutical and Araris signed in November 2023 and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, Taiho Pharmaceutical will pay a USD 400 million upfront, with the potential for additional milestone payments of up to USD 740 million, and for a total amount of up to USD 1.14 billion. Araris has been an investment out of 4BIO Capital Fund II, and the 4BIO team is proud to have actively supported the fast development and acquisition since the initial investment in 2020. In early 2020, 4BIO Capital recognised the significant potential of next-generation ADCs, however came to the conclusion that linker technologies needed to be improved to take the field to the next level. The 4BIO team subsequently identified Araris as the best-in-class linker-payload ADC platform to address the shortcomings of current generation ADCs. The Company's AraLinQ™ technology enables the attachment of multiple, synergistic cancer-fighting payloads to a single antibody in an efficient one-step process, whilst ensuring long-term stability and safety of the resulting ADC, as well as increased antitumour effect compared to conventional ADCs. 4BIO Capital supported the company in the development of AraLinQ™ and its proprietary pipeline, leading its Series A in 2022 and supporting the company through multiple large pharma partnerships both as an investor and from the Board with Managing Partner Dima Kuzmin as Chairman, and Brian McVeigh and Dr Therese Liechtenstein as Board Observers. Araris is advancing three products for the treatment of haematological and solid tumours developed using its unique AraLinQ™ technology, all of which are currently in the preclinical stage. These products are anticipated to enter into clinical trials between 2025 and 2026 and will benefit from Taiho Pharmaceutical's clinical development expertise. Dr Dmitry (Dima) Kuzmin, Managing Partner at 4BIO Capital and Chairman of Araris, commented, 'The success of Araris is a perfect example of the 4BIO Capital playbook. We identified the technological hurdle that needed to be overcome to empower an up-and-coming drug class, identified the best science and the people to solve it and, alongside Araris' management team, supported the company to secure multiple pharma partnerships, develop its own pipeline and now become part of the Taiho group. This acquisition confirms Araris' position as one of the most exciting ADC companies in the market and has the potential to return over two times the fund to 4BIO Ventures II investors, further validating our science-driven, high conviction seed investment strategy.' Dr Dragan Grabulovski, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Araris added, 'We sincerely appreciate the support of Dima and the entire team at 4BIO in shaping our company, advancing our science, and helping us reach this important milestone. It's the kind of investor that brings not only money to the table but also valuable strategic guidance, a network of industry connections, and a shared vision for transforming cancer treatment. Araris has developed a unique ADC technology that delivers different cancer-fighting drugs directly to tumours with high precision. This approach allows multiple treatment methods to work together at the same time while reducing harmful side effects. We are excited to join forces with Taiho Pharmaceutical whose deep expertise in oncology will be instrumental in accelerating the clinical development of our promising ADC candidates for both haematological and solid tumours.' Philippe Fauchet OBE, Venture Partner at 4BIO Capital added, 'We are delighted to see a seed investment we made in Europe find a skilled partner in a pioneering Japanese pharma company and are very happy to have facilitated the closer partnership. This deal further validates our strategy of building strong bridges between the Japanese and European biotech and pharma companies, which we believe will bring significant benefits to both ecosystems.' Details of the acquisition can be found in the press release from Araris and Taiho Pharmaceutical here. – End – Contacts 4BIO Capital +44 (0) 203 427 5500info@ ICR HealthcareAmber Fennell, Jonathan Edwards, Kris Lam +44 (0)20 3709 57004biocapital@ About 4BIO Capital 4BIO Capital ('4BIO') is an international venture capital firm focused on investing in advanced therapies, including genomic medicines and other emerging technologies, to unlock the treatments of the future. 4BIO's objective is to invest in, support, and grow early-stage companies developing treatments in areas of high unmet medical need, with the ultimate goal of ensuring access to these potentially curative therapies for all patients. Specifically, it looks for viable, high-quality opportunities in cell and gene therapy, RNA-based therapy, targeted therapies, and the microbiome. The 4BIO team comprises leading advanced therapy scientists and experienced life science investors who have collectively published over 250 scientific articles in prestigious academic journals including Nature, The Lancet, Cell, and the New England Journal of Medicine. 4BIO has both an unrivalled network within the advanced therapy sector and a unique understanding of the criteria that define a successful investment opportunity in this space. For more information, connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter @4biocapital and visit About Araris Biotech AG Araris Biotech is a leading independent company pioneering the future of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and redefining the entire paradigm of targeted cancer therapy and beyond. Araris' vision is a world without chemotherapy and its proprietary conjugation and groundbreaking multi-payload technology represents a quantum leap forward in ADC design, enabling the transformation of any antibody into an ADC with the goal of better safety and efficacy. By enabling the attachment of multiple, synergistic cancer-fighting payloads to a single antibody in an efficient one-step process, Araris is creating a new generation of smart missiles that deliver the potency of combination chemotherapy in a targeted fashion in order to tackle the persistent challenges of cancer resistance. Araris' investors include 4BIO Capital, b2venture, Pureos Bioventures, Redalpine, Schroders Capital, VI Partners, Wille AG, Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation and Samsung Ventures. For more information about our science and pipeline, please visit About Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Taiho Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. ( is an R&D-driven specialty pharma focusing on the fields of oncology and immune-related diseases. Its corporate philosophy takes the form of a pledge: 'We strive to improve human health and contribute to a society enriched by smiles.' In the field of oncology, in particular, Taiho Pharmaceutical is known as a leading company in Japan for developing innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, a reputation that is rapidly expanding through their extensive global R&D efforts. In areas other than oncology, as well, the company creates and markets quality products that effectively treat medical conditions and can help improve people's quality of life. Always putting customers first, Taiho Pharmaceutical also aims to offer consumer healthcare products that support people's efforts to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. For more information about Taiho Pharmaceutical, please visit in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taiho Pharmaceutical to Acquire Next-Generation ADC Drug Discovery Company Araris Biotech
March 17th, 2025Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Biotech AGTaiho Pharmaceutical to Acquire Next-Generation ADC Drug Discovery Company Araris Biotech Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Taiho Pharmaceutical") and Araris Biotech AG (hereinafter "Araris"), a Swiss biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Taiho Pharmaceutical will fully acquire Araris (hereinafter "the Acquisition"). Following necessary procedures, the Acquisition is expected to be completed in first half of 2025. The Acquisition follows a research collaboration between Taiho Pharmaceutical and Araris signed in November 2023. Under the terms of the agreement, Taiho Pharmaceutical will pay USD 400 million at closing, with the potential for additional milestone payments of up to USD 740 million. Araris is a spin-off company of the Paul-Scherrer-Institute in Switzerland and pioneering the development of best-in-class ADCs with superior design, high linker solubility and simple manufacturing that address the shortcomings of current generation ADCs. ADCs are designed to selectively deliver cytotoxic drugs (payloads) to cancer cells by attaching them to antibodies that bind specifically to cancer cells through linkers. Foundational to its approach is its novel, proprietary ADC linker platform AraLinQ™. This platform has generated highly uniform, stable and potent ADC therapeutic candidates that have demonstrated a wider range of safety and increased antitumor effect compared to conventional ADCs in preclinical studies.i,ii Furthermore, Araris is advancing three products for the treatment of hematological and solid tumors developed using its unique AraLinQ™ technology, which are currently in the preclinical stage. These products are anticipated to enter into clinical trials between 2025 and 2026. Taiho Pharmaceutical, in addition to antimetabolites, has established and created novel drugs through its proprietary small molecule drug discovery platform, Cysteinomix, enhancing cancer treatment and contributing to patient care. By acquiring Araris' innovative ADC drug discovery technology platform along with Cysteinomix, Taiho Pharmaceutical will further expand its ongoing development portfolio in the field of Kobayashi, President and Representative Director of Taiho Pharmaceutical commented, 'We are very pleased to have entered into this agreement with Araris. AraLinQTM is an innovative technology that enables next-generation ADC drug discovery. We are confident that the addition of Araris' knowledge, experience and technology platform in ADC drug discovery, as well as its development pipeline, will lead to further expansion and strengthening of Taiho's drug discovery capabilities and portfolio. Going forward, together with Araris, we will strive to develop innovative drugs that can contribute to patients globally.' Dragan Grabulovski, CEO and Co-founder of Araris commented, 'Araris' unique ADC technology represents a quantum leap for the ADC field, potentially offering precise payload delivery of multiple mechanisms of action simultaneously to the tumor, with less toxicity. We are proud to combine with Taiho, our partner since November 2023, whose significant cancer expertise will support us in turbo-charging the clinical development of our potent ADC candidates in hematological and solid tumors.' Dima Kuzmin, Managing Partner of 4BIO Capital and Chairman of Araris, added: 'This acquisition validates Araris' position as one of the most exciting ADC companies in the market. Having worked with Araris closely during its collaboration, Taiho knows the potential of Araris' proprietary AraLinQ™ technology and is best placed to accelerate these transformative treatments to patients.' With the Acquisition, Araris will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical and will continue its business, research and development activities at its current location in Zurich, Switzerland. About AraLinQTMAraLinQTM is Araris' linker technology, which enables site-specific payload attachment to a privileged attachment site on a specific amino acid (Q295) within the antibody IgG-Fc framework. When a payload is attached to this site, the antibody still maintains nearly identical performance (e.g. pharmacokinetics and effector functions) to the unconjugated, original antibody. Furthermore, the linker-payload is connected to the antibody through a very strong peptide bond resulting in exceptional stability in the blood stream and therefore, avoidance of healthy tissue damage. However, once entering a cancer cell via antibody mediated internalization, the linker can be easily broken to release the payload and kill the cancer cell. All three of these properties are key factors to enable the most efficient payload delivery and maximum ADC linkers are hydrophilic, rendering them soluble in water-based solutions like blood. Improved solubility leads to decreased clumping, allowing the ADC to properly bind to cancerous cells without the need to further edit the antibody/payload structures. In addition, this linker can have unique branching structures which makes it possible to create ADCs that carry multiple payloads of different types. AraLinQTM can also generate ADCs in one step using 'off-the-shelf' antibodies that are native or engineered. The process is fast, cost-efficient and can be easily upscaled without the need for custom antibody synthesis. AdvisorsMTS Health Partners, L.P is serving as a financial advisor and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC and Homburger AG is serving as the legal advisor for Taiho Pharmaceutical. Centerview Partners UK LLP is serving as financial advisor to Araris, and Cooley LLP and BGPartner Ltd are serving as legal advisors. About Araris Biotech AGAraris Biotech is a leading company pioneering the future of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and redefining the entire paradigm of targeted cancer therapy and beyond. It is a spin-off company of the Paul-Scherrer-Institute (part of ETH domain) in Switzerland, with Dr. Philipp Spycher, Dr. Isabella Attinger-Toller and Dr. Dragan Grabulovski among its founders. Araris' vision is a world without chemotherapy and its proprietary conjugation and groundbreaking multi-payload technology represents a quantum leap forward in ADC design, enabling the transformation of any antibody into an ADC with the goal of better safety and efficacy. By enabling the attachment of multiple, synergistic cancer-fighting payloads to a single antibody in an efficient one-step process, Araris is creating a new generation of smart missiles that deliver the potency of combination chemotherapy in a targeted fashion in order to tackle the persistent challenges of cancer resistance. Araris' investors include 4BIO Capital, b2venture, Pureos Bioventures, Redalpine, Schroders Capital, VI Partners, Wille AG, Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation and Samsung Ventures. For more information, please visit: About Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Taiho Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. ( is an R&D-driven specialty pharma focusing on the fields of oncology and immune-related diseases. Its corporate philosophy takes the form of a pledge: 'We strive to improve human health and contribute to a society enriched by smiles.' In the field of oncology, in particular, Taiho Pharmaceutical is known as a leading company in Japan for developing innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, a reputation that is rapidly expanding through their extensive global R&D efforts. In areas other than oncology, as well, the company creates and markets quality products that effectively treat medical conditions and can help improve people's quality of life. Always putting customers first, Taiho Pharmaceutical also aims to offer consumer healthcare products that support people's efforts to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. For more information about Taiho Pharmaceutical, please visit References Attinger-Toller I. et al. "Abstract 2910: A CD79b-targeting ADC with superior efficacy in preclinical models of non-Hodgkin lymphoma." Cancer Research. 2022;82(12 Supplement):2910. Available from: Last accessed: March 12, 2025. Attinger-Toller I. et al. "Abstract LB124: Targeting NaPi2b with a novel dual-action ADC." Cancer Research. 2024;84(7 Supplement):LB124. Available from: Last accessed: March 12, 2025. Taiho Pharmaceutical Contact:Junko Onishi+81 80 1009 7683 junn-onishi@ Araris Contact: Araris Biotech AG info@ ICR HealthcareAmber Fennell, Kate CoyleAraris@ in to access your portfolio
