Gilead Announces Acquisition of CymaBay to Expand in Liver Disease Treatment

Gilead Sciences announced a $4.3 billion acquisition of CymaBay Therapeutics to expand its presence in liver disease treatments. This strategic move follows an earnings report that led to a decline in Gilead's stock. CymaBay focuses on primary biliary cholangitis, with an FDA-pending drug, seladelpar, which could be approved in August.

Gilead Sciences (GILD) recently announced its acquisition of CymaBay Therapeutics (CBAY) for $4.3 billion, expanding its presence in the liver disease market. This strategic move follows an earnings report that saw a decline in Gilead's stock [1]. The primary focus of CymaBay is on primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a rare and chronic liver disease, and their lead investigational drug, seladelpar [1].

Seladelpar, an oral, selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) agonist, is currently under FDA review with a priority action date set for August 14, 2024 [1]. If approved, seladelpar could provide significant benefits to patients with PBC. It has demonstrated the potential to regulate critical metabolic and liver disease pathways [1].

PBC is a debilitating liver disease that primarily affects women, with around 130,000 people in the U.S. experiencing this condition [1]. It is characterized by symptoms such as pruritus (itching) and fatigue, which can lead to a significant decrease in quality of life. Progression of PBC is associated with an increased risk of liver-related mortality [1].

Gilead's acquisition of CymaBay aligns with its long-standing commitment to addressing unmet needs in liver diseases. The company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel O'Day, expressed his excitement about the potential to advance seladelpar and expand Gilead's existing liver portfolio [1].

With the addition of seladelpar, Gilead is well-positioned to expand its reach in the liver disease market and continue its mission of bringing transformational medicines to patients.

References:
[1] Gilead Sciences. (2023, February 2). Gilead Sciences expands liver portfolio with acquisition of CymaBay Therapeutics. Retrieved from https://www.gilead.com/news-and-press/press-room/press-releases/2024/2/gilead-sciences-expands-liver-portfolio-with-acquisition-of-cymabay-therapeutics