May 10, 2022 – Pfizer and Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Pfizer will acquire Biohaven, the maker of NURTEC® ODT, an innovative dual-acting migraine therapy approved for both acute treatment and episodic prevention of migraine in adults.
The proposed transaction includes the acquisition of Biohaven’s calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) programs including:
- Rimegepant:
- Approved in the United States (U.S.) under the trade name, NURTEC® ODT, for both the acute treatment of migraine and preventive treatment of episodic migraine
- Approved in the European Union under the trade name, VYDURA®, for both acute treatment of migraine and prophylaxis of episodic migraine
- Zavegepant:
- On track for a 2Q2022 acceptance (based on March 2022 submission) in the U.S. as an intranasal spray for the acute treatment of migraine and in development as an oral soft gel for chronic migraine prevention
- A portfolio of five pre-clinical CGRP assets
This agreement follows on the November 9, 2021 collaboration for the commercialization of rimegepant and zavegepant outside the United States, in connection with which Pfizer invested $350 million to acquire 2.6% of Biohaven’s common stock at $173 per share.
Following the closing, New Biohaven will continue to operate under the Biohaven name. New Biohaven will be led by Vlad Coric, MD, as Chairman and CEO, and include other members of the current management team of Biohaven. Biohaven common shareholders will receive, for each Biohaven share, 0.5 of a share of New Biohaven distributed via a pro rata distribution of SEC-registered, publicly listed shares. At distribution, New Biohaven will be capitalized with $275 million of cash. New Biohaven will also have the right to receive tiered royalties from Pfizer on any annual net sales of rimegepant and zavegepant in the United States in excess of $5.25 billion.
Pfizer expects to finance the transaction with existing cash on hand.
Pfizer’s acquisition of Biohaven is subject to the completion of the New Biohaven spin-off transaction and other customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by Biohaven’s shareholders. The companies expect the transaction to close by early 2023.