Araris to be Acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical in a Milestone Deal
Deal News | Jan 08, 2025 | 4BIO Ventures Management Ltd
4BIO Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in advanced therapies, announced the acquisition of its portfolio company Araris Biotech by Taiho Pharmaceutical for a potential total of $1.14 billion. The deal includes an upfront payment of $400 million and milestone payments up to $740 million. Araris, a Swiss oncology biotech, has developed next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) using its AraLinQ technology, which allows multiple cancer-fighting payloads to attach to a single antibody efficiently. The acquisition, completing in 2025, follows a successful partnership between Taiho and Araris and represents a strategic step for 4BIO, reflecting their investment strategy of addressing technological hurdles in emerging drug classes.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Venture Capital
Geography
- Switzerland – Home to Araris Biotech, the target company in the acquisition.
- Japan – Taiho Pharmaceutical, the acquiring company, is based in Japan, thus making it a relevant geography.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The article is centered on Araris Biotech, a biotechnology firm engaged in the development of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment.
- Pharmaceuticals – Taiho Pharmaceutical, a key player involved in the acquisition, is a major pharmaceutical company.
- Venture Capital – 4BIO Capital is a venture capital firm that invested in Araris Biotech, illustrating the article's connection to venture capital funding and strategy.
Financials
- USD 400 million – The upfront payment Taiho Pharmaceutical will pay for Araris Biotech.
- USD 740 million – Potential additional milestone payments in the acquisition deal.
- USD 1.14 billion – The total potential acquisition value of the Araris Biotech by Taiho Pharmaceutical.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4BIO Capital | Venture Capital Firm and Araris' Investor | Company | An international VC firm specializing in advanced therapies investing in Araris Biotech. |
| Araris Biotech | Target Company | Company | A Swiss oncology biotech developing next-generation ADCs using its proprietary technology. |
| Taiho Pharmaceutical | Acquirer | Company | A Japanese pharmaceutical company acquiring Araris Biotech. |
| Dima Kuzmin | Managing Partner at 4BIO Capital and Chairman of Araris | Person | Involved in strategic support and partnership facilitation for Araris. |
| Dr Dragan Grabulovski | CEO and Co-founder of Araris | Person | Responsible for Araris' strategic and scientific advancement. |
| Philippe Fauchet OBE | Venture Partner at 4BIO Capital | Person | Involvement in building international partnerships for Araris. |