Synopsis :
- Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will acquire ReViral for a total consideration of up to $525 million, including upfront and development milestones.
- Pfizer Inc. and ReViral Ltd. announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement for Pfizer to acquire ReViral, a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercialising novel antiviral therapeutics that target respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“At Pfizer, we have a strong heritage in, and commitment to, fighting infectious diseases, most recently evidenced by our delivery of the first authorized vaccine and oral therapy to combat COVID-19,” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer. “We’re continuing to grow our pipeline – through our own research-and-development efforts, such as our investigational RSV vaccine programs, as well as strategic investments in companies like ReViral – with a focus on end-to-end capabilities to help protect patients from severe illness, hospitalization, and death.”
Pfizer Acquire ReViral for $ 525 Millon and its Respiratory Syncytial Virus Therapeutic Candidates Sisunatovir
RSV is a respiratory pathogen, which can lead to severe and life-threatening lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in high-risk populations, including young infants, immunocompromised individuals, and older adults. It is estimated to cause infections in approximately 64 million people, resulting in about 160,000 deaths, globally each year.
About Sisunatovir
Sisunatovir’s development program will continue in both adult and pediatric populations.
While a second program will focus on inhibiting RSV replication by targeting the viral N protein, the lead candidate in this program is currently in Phase 1 clinical development.
Sisunatovir Mechanism of Action
Viral fusion protein inhibitors; Virus replication inhibitors
Sisunatovir has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Mechanism of Action
In June 2021, ReViral announced the successful completion of Part A of the phase 2 REVIRAL1 study of sisunatovir for the treatment of RSV infections in hospitalized infants. REVIRAL1 is a global three-part adaptive study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK) profile, antiviral effects, and clinical effect of single and multiple oral doses of sisunatovir in otherwise healthy infants between the ages of 1 and 36 months hospitalized with RSV LRTIs. Following a thorough review by the REVIRAL1 Data Safety Monitoring Committee, sisunatovir showed a favorable safety and PK exposure profile to advance to Part B, the double-blind, placebo-controlled stage of the study where patients receive drug or placebo twice a day for five days.
“We’re continuing to grow our pipeline — through our own research-and-development efforts, such as our investigational RSV vaccine programs, as well as strategic investments in companies like ReViral — with a focus on end-to-end capabilities to help protect patients from severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer, said in the announcement..
“Since the foundation of the company a decade ago by Dr. Ken Powell and Dr. Stuart Cockerill, ReViral’s mission has always been to develop world-class therapies for RSV patients,” said Alex C. Sapir, CEO, ReViral. “This acquisition represents a validation of the deep antiviral experience of the ReViral team and our unwavering commitment to deliver therapies for patients in need. Pfizer is an optimal partner given their commitment to RSV through their ongoing RSV vaccine program, coupled with their world-class clinical, regulatory, manufacturing and commercial capabilities. We look forward to working with our colleagues at Pfizer to bring these therapies to patients as quickly as possible.”
If successful, Pfizer believes annual revenue for these programs has the potential to reach or exceed $1.5 billion. The proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.
About ReViral
ReViral is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing antiviral therapeutics, with an initial focus on treating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The company’s lead product candidate, sisunatovir, is an orally administered fusion inhibitor currently being evaluated in a global phase 2 pediatric clinical study (REVIRAL1). The company also has an RSV N-protein replication inhibitor program currently in phase 1 clinical development.
About Pfizer
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.