Sobi has announced an agreement to acquire Arthrosi Therapeutics for $1.5 billion, which will expand the company’s gout pipeline with pozdeutinurad (AR882), Arthrosi’s leading gout treatment asset.¹

Pozdeutinurad is an investigational URAT1 inhibitor in development for the treatment of progressive and tophaceous gout. In Phase II studies, the therapy demonstrates promising efficacy with sustained reduction of serum uric acid (sUA) and dissolution of tophi, along with a well-tolerated safety profile.¹

"The acquisition of Arthrosi allows us to expand our gout pipeline with a highly differentiated new asset,"said Guido Oelkers, president and CEO of Sobi, in a press release. "Pozdeutinurad has the potential to become the therapy of choice for patients who have progressive gout with persistent and unresolved symptoms despite first-line therapy. The product has the potential to materially accelerate our growth until the mid 2030s, and beyond. We welcome all members of the talented Arthrosi team and are looking forward to working closely together to be able to offer this therapy to patients as soon as possible." ¹

The treatment is currently being evaluated in a pair of Phase III trials, REDUCE 1 and REDUCE 2, both of which are twelve-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies assessing pozdeutinurad's ability to reduce sUA in patients with progressive and tophaceous gout. Both Phase III studies are currently fully enrolled and pivotal data is expected in 2026.¹

REDUCE 1 has a target enrollment of 750 patients globally, the majority of whom being inadequate responders to urate lowering therapies (ULTs).² The study places patients into one of three randomized groups receiving pozdeutinurad 50 mg, pozdeutinurad 75 mg or placebo, with a primary endpoint of reduction of sUA by month six.

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body accumulating around joints and other tissues, resulting in flares that cause intense pain. When left untreated, gout can become a progressive disease with serious consequences.¹

Uncontrolled gout is associated with higher risks of comorbidities, including kidney disease and cardiovascular complications, making early diagnosis and effective management critical. Although there are multiple treatment options available, many patients struggle to achieve target uric acid levels, highlighting the need for innovative therapies to prevent long-term disability and improve quality of life of those suffering from gout.¹

What are the financial details are the definitive agreement?

Per the terms of the agreement, Sobi is expected to pay upwards of $950 million upfront in cash to acquire Arthrosi.The deal also includes up to $550 million in cash in clinical, regulatory, and sales milestones, making the total value of the deal worth upwards of $1.5 billion.

Sobi is planning to fund its upfront payment primarily through debt in the form of existing credit facilities, along with a new credit facility provided by Handelsbanken and Danske Bank.¹

The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and is expected to close in during the first quarter of 2026. The acquisition is also expected to be highly accretive to Sobi's mid- to long-term growth and margin trajectory.¹

"We are thrilled to join forces with Sobi and look forward to working together to ensure a seamless transition as they advance pozdeutinurad towards pivotal data and potential regulatory filings. We believe that Sobi's global expertise in commercialization will accelerate our shared mission to deliver pozdeutinurad's potentially transformative benefits for individuals living with gout," Litain Yeh, PhD, founder and CEO of Arthrosi Therapeutics, said in the press release.

Sources

1. Sobi to Acquire Arthrosi Therapeutics, Strengthening Pipeline For The Potential Treatment of Gout Arthrosi Therapeutics December 5, 2025 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sobi-to-acquire-arthrosi-therapeutics-strengthening-pipeline-for-the-potential-treatment-of-gout-302641735.html
2. Arthrosi Therapeutics Achieves Full Enrollment of the Second Pivotal Phase III Trial of Pozdeutinurad (AR882) in Patients with Gout, Including Those with Tophaceous Gout Arthrosi Therapeutics August 20, 2025 https://arthrosi.com/arthrosi-therapeutics-achieves-full-enrollment-of-the-second-pivotal-phase-3-trial-of-pozdeutinurad-ar882-in-patients-with-gout-including-those-with-tophaceous-gout/