Incyte has agreed to acquire Vega Therapeutics, a South San Francisco, California-based bio/pharmaceutical company developing antibody therapies for rare blood disorders and a subsidiary of Star Therapeutics, a South San Francisco-based bio/pharmaceutical company developing antibodies for hematologic and immunologic diseases, in a deal worth up to $2 billion ($1.25 billion upfront and $750 million in milestone payments).  

Vega Therapeutics’ lead candidate is VGA039 in Phase III development for treating von Willebrand disease, an inherited bleeding disorder. 

Under the agreement, Star Therapeutics is to receive $1.25 billion upfront, with up to $750 million in additional payments upon achievement of sales milestones, for total potential consideration of up to $2.0 billion, subject to customary closing adjustments.  

The transaction has been approved by both Incyte’s and Star Therapeutics’ Boards of Directors. The closing of the proposed transaction is subject to certain conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary conditions. The transaction is an equity acquisition and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. 

Source: Incyte