Roundup: Key Biotech Deals Accelerate mRNA Oncology, Postpartum Depression Therapies, and Companion Diagnostics

In a series of strategic moves underscoring the biopharma industry’s focus on targeted innovation and commercial expansion, Supernus, Teva, Incyte, and BioNTech each unveiled new partnerships and acquisitions aimed at advancing treatments in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, oncology, and hematologic malignancies.

Supernus Pharmaceuticals

Supernus has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Sage Therapeutics in a deal valued at approximately $561 million in cash, with an additional contingent value right worth up to $3.50 per share based on commercial milestones. The acquisition includes Zurzuvae (zuranolone), the first and only FDA-approved oral treatment for postpartum depression in adults, which is currently marketed in collaboration with Biogen.

The transaction adds a fourth growth product to Supernus’ portfolio and aligns with its strategy of acquiring novel, clinically differentiated medicines targeting CNS conditions.¹

“This acquisition represents a major step in bolstering our future growth,” said Jack Khattar, President, CEO, Supernus Pharmaceuticals, in a press release. “It augments our growth profile by adding a significant fourth growth product to our portfolio and further diversifies our sources of future growth. Zurzuvae aligns with our focus of acquiring novel value-enhancing and clinically differentiated medicines to treat CNS conditions. We have a proven track record of strong commercial execution, and we look forward to building on Zurzuvae’s US growth momentum and collaboration with Biogen, so that more women with postpartum depression can benefit from this novel treatment.”

Teva

Teva and Fosun Pharma have entered into a strategic partnership to advance TEV-56278, an investigational anti-PD1-IL2 ATTENUKINE fusion protein being studied for immuno-oncology indications. TEV-56278 is designed to deliver IL-2 selectively to PD-1+ T cells, aiming to enhance anti-tumor activity while minimizing toxicity. Under the agreement, Fosun receives exclusive rights in Greater China and parts of Southeast Asia, while Teva retains rights in all other regions.²

“This partnership with Fosun Pharma in the development of our internally developed TEV-56278, an anti-PD1-IL2 ATTENUKINE therapy with the potential to treat devastating cancers, is the latest advance to ensuring acceleration of our pipeline,” said Eric Hughes, MD, PhD, EVP, global R&D, chief medical officer, Teva, in a press release. “TEV-56278 demonstrates the strength of Teva’s innovative drug development capabilities and how strategic partnerships with companies such as Fosun Pharma play a pivotal role in advancing therapies on behalf of patients.”

Incyte

Incyte has entered a global collaboration with QIAGEN to co-develop a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based companion diagnostic panel for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The panel will support development of Incyte’s investigational mutCALR-targeting antibody, INCA033989, for essential thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis. The diagnostic will be validated on the Illumina NextSeq 550Dx platform and support regulatory filings in the United States, European Union, and Asia-Pacific regions.³

“Following our presentation of positive, late-breaking data from our first-in-class mutCALR-targeted antibody at EHA, we are excited to announce this partnership with QIAGEN, which will facilitate CALR testing for patients with MPNs on a global basis,” said Pablo J. Cagnoni, MD, president, head, research and development, Incyte, in a press release. “The development of companion diagnostics for mutCALR, coupled with the potential for new medicines to selectively target disease-initiating cells, is a critical step toward changing the course of disease in patients with ET and MF. As a partner, QIAGEN has the proven expertise in companion diagnostics development and approvals needed to support our ongoing work and commitment to transforming the treatment of patients with CALR-mutant MPNs.”

BioNTech

BioNTech announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CureVac, a biotech company focused on mRNA-based medicines for oncology and infectious diseases. Under terms of the deal, BioNTech will acquire all shares of CureVac for approximately $1.25 billion. CureVac shareholders will receive BioNTech shares valued around $5.46 each, with a collar mechanism based on BioNTech’s stock performance.⁴

“This transaction is another building block in BioNTech’s oncology strategy and an investment in the future of cancer medicine,” said Ugur Sahin, MD, CEO, co-founder, BioNTech, in a press release. “We intend to bring together complementary capabilities and leverage technologies with the goal of advancing the development of innovative and transformative cancer treatments and establishing new standards of care for various types of cancer in the coming years.”

References

1. News Release Details. Supernus. June 16, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://ir.supernus.com/news-releases/news-release-details/supernus-pharmaceuticals-acquire-sage-therapeutics-strengthening

2. Teva and Fosun Pharma Enter into a Strategic Partnership to Develop Novel Anti-PD1-IL2 Therapy (TEV-56278) in Immuno-Oncology. Teva. June 16, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.tevapharm.com/news-and-media/latest-news/teva-and-fosun-pharma-enter-into-a-strategic-partnership-to-develop-novel-anti-pd1-il2-therapy-tev-56278/

3. QIAGEN and Incyte Announce Precision Medicine Collaboration to Develop Companion Diagnostics for Patients With Mutant CALR-expressing Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs). Incyte. June 15, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/qiagen-and-incyte-announce-precision-medicine-collaboration

4. BioNTech Announces Strategic Transaction to Acquire CureVac in Public Exchange Offer. BioNTech. June 12, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://investors.biontech.de/news-releases/news-release-details/biontech-announces-strategic-transaction-acquire-curevac-public