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Incyte Completes Vega Therapeutics Acquisition, Adding Novel mAb to Hematology Portfolio

The monoclonal antibody is in Phase III development for treatment of von Willebrand disease, or VWD.

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By: Patrick Lavery

Content Marketing Editor

Why This Matters: Check out Contract Pharma’s Pharmaceutical Industry Mergers & Acquisitions Roundup.

Incyte completed its previously announced, $1.25 billion upfront acquisition of Vega Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics.

The transaction adds a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), VGA039, to Incyte’s hematology portfolio. VGA039 is currently in Phase III development to treat von Willebrand disease (VWD), considered the most common inherited bleeding disorder.

VWD Explained

In VWD, blood does not properly clot; this is caused by low or defective von Willebrand factor (VWF). Approximately 135,000 people in the United States have a diagnosis of VWD. These patients may experience excessive bleeding varying in severity and frequency.

Current treatments include factor replacement therapies that may require multiple weekly intravenous injections. By contrast, VGA039 aims to become the first once-monthly subcutaneous prophylactic therapy for patients with VWD. It modulates Protein S to improve hemostasis, which can potentially improve the body’s ability to control bleeding.

The U.S. FDA already granted VGA039 Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track, Orphan Drug, and Rare Pediatric Disease designations.

“VGA039 adds one of the most promising late-stage hematology assets in development to our portfolio.”

Bill Meury, Incyte CEO

Incyte Excited

“VGA039 adds one of the most promising late-stage hematology assets in development to our portfolio,” Incyte CEO Bill Meury said.

Meury touted VGA039’s potential as a first-in-class therapy.

“VGA039 is a strong strategic fit with our hematology franchise and expands our presence into bleeding disorders. Our priority is to advance the Phase III program,” Meury said. “We look forward to partnering with our talented new colleagues from Vega to progress VGA039 through clinical development.”

More Acquisition Details

Resulting from the acquisition, Star Therapeutics, Vega’s parent, may receive up to $750 million in additional payments for sales milestones. Financially, the transaction will reflect as a one-time R&D expense in Q3 2026.

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