GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced it has completed the acquisition of Sierra Oncology, Inc. (Sierra Oncology), a California-based biopharmaceutical company focused on targeted therapies for the treatment of rare forms of cancer. The acquisition was approved by Sierra Oncology's shareholders on 29 June 2022.
As previously announced, the acquisition of Sierra Oncology includes momelotinib, a late-stage potential new medicine with a unique dual mechanism of action that may address the critical unmet medical needs of myelofibrosis patients with anaemia. In addition, momelotinib complements GSK's Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin); the acquisition builds on the company's expertise in haematology and aligns with GSK's strategy of building a strong portfolio of specialty medicines and vaccines. If approved, momelotinib will contribute to GSK's growing specialty medicines business, with a US launch anticipated in 2023.
Luke Miels, Chief Commercial Officer, GSK, said: "This acquisition expands our innovative oncology portfolio, demonstrating our commitment to improving patient outcomes and creating value for shareholders. We now have a late-stage differentiated molecule in momelotinib, which could potentially address a significant unmet need in myelofibrosis patients with anaemia. Our focus is now on execution."
In June 2022, Sierra Oncology presented the complete data from the MOMENTUM phase III trial at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. The trial met all its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating that momelotinib achieved a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit on symptoms, splenic response, and anaemia. Sierra Oncology submitted a New Drug Application to the US Food and Drug Administration in June, and GSK anticipates a regulatory submission in Europe in the second half of 2022.
Financial considerations
Upon completion of the acquisition, GSK acquired all outstanding shares of Sierra Oncology for $55 per share in cash, representing an approximate total equity value of $1.9 billion (£1.6 billion at current exchange rates). The per-share price represented a premium of approximately 39 per cent to Sierra Oncology's closing stock price on 12 April 2022 and approximately 63 per cent to Sierra’s volume-weighted average price (VWAP) over the last 30 trading days.
About myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer that results from dysregulated JAK-STAT signalling and is characterised by constitutional symptoms, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) and progressive anaemia. From prior studies with momelotinib, we know approximately half of myelofibrosis patients are moderately to severely anaemic when eligible for JAK inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, currently approved JAK inhibitors only address symptoms and splenomegaly and are myelosuppressive. This can lead to worsening anaemia, resulting in dose reductions that potentially reduce treatment effect.Myelofibrosis affects approximately 20,000 patients in the US, with approximately 40% of patients already anaemic at time of diagnosis and nearly all patients estimated to eventually develop anaemia.[1],[2] Patients treated with the most commonly used JAK inhibitor will often require transfusions, and more than 30% will discontinue treatment due to anaemia.[3] Anaemia and transfusion dependence are strongly correlated with poor prognosis and shortened survival.[4]
About momelotinib
Momelotinib has a differentiated mode of action with inhibitory ability along three key signalling pathways: activin A receptor, type I (ACVR1)/activin receptor-like kinase-2 (ALK2), Janus kinase (JAK) 1, and JAK2. This activity may lead to beneficial treatment effects on anaemia and reduce transfusion dependence while treating myelofibrosis symptoms and splenic response.
GSK in oncology
GSK is focused on maximising patient survival through transformational medicines. GSK’s pipeline is focused on immuno-oncology, cell therapy, tumor cell targeting therapies and synthetic lethality. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable flow of new treatments based on a diversified portfolio of investigational medicines utilising modalities such as small molecules, antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and cell therapy, either alone or in combination.
About GSK
GSK is a science-led global healthcare company.
1. Naymagon, L., & Mascarenhas, J. (2017). Myelofibrosis-Related Anemia: Current and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies. HemaSphere, 1(1), e1. https://doi.org/10.1097/HS9.0000000000000001
2. Chifotides, H.T., Bose, P. & Verstovsek, S. Momelotinib: an emerging treatment for myelofibrosis patients with anemia. J Hematol Oncol 15, 7 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-021-01157-4
3. Palandri, F., Palumbo, G.A., Elli, E.M. et al. Ruxolitinib discontinuation syndrome: incidence, risk factors, and management in 251 patients with myelofibrosis. Blood Cancer J. 11, 4 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-020-00392-1
4. Pardanani, A., & Tefferi, A. (2011). Prognostic relevance of anemia and transfusion dependency in myelodysplastic syndromes and primary myelofibrosis. Haematologica, 96(1), 8–10. https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2010.035519