Halda Therapeutics To Be Acquired By Johnson & Johnson For $3.05B, Backed By Promising HLD-0915 Phase 1/2 Data In Advanced Prostate Cancer

Halda Therapeutics has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Johnson & Johnson for $3.05 billion, with the payment to be made in cash at closing, subject to standard adjustments. Halda’s pipeline includes HLD-0915, a first-in-class oral RIPTAC™ therapeutic being developed for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). 

Phase 1/2 data recently presented showed that HLD-0915 was well-tolerated and demonstrated encouraging anti-tumor activity, including reductions in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and tumor responses according to RECIST criteria.  The patients involved in the study had advanced prostate cancer, many of whom had progressed after multiple prior therapies and had limited treatment options.

Christian S. Schade, President and CEO of Halda, said that the company is committed to advancing its RIPTAC platform to develop next-generation, selective, proximity-based small molecule therapies for serious diseases. He added that the acquisition will support the rapid development of Halda’s prostate cancer program and enable the company to continue expanding its innovative pipeline from the RIPTAC platform to address other diseases. Schade emphasized that the transaction reflects years of scientific effort in creating this first-in-class modality and delivering value to shareholders.

The acquisition is expected to close within the next few months, subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Until the transaction is finalized, Halda and Johnson & Johnson will continue to operate as independent companies. Centerview Partners LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Halda, while Goodwin Procter is acting as legal counsel.