Pfizer to Acquire Anacor

Pfizer has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for approximately $5.2 billion in cash. Anacor’s lead asset, crisaborole, is a non-steroidal topical PDE4 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties currently under review by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, or eczema. Pfizer expects to complete the acquisition in 3Q16.
 
In two Phase III studies, crisaborole achieved statistically significant results on all primary and secondary endpoints. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date for the completion of the FDA’s review is January 7, 2017. If approved, Pfizer believes peak sales for crisaborole could potentially reach $2.0 billion annually.
 
Anacor also holds the rights to Kerydin, a topical treatment for onychomycosis (toenail fungus) that is commercialized by Sandoz Inc. in the U.S.
 
“We believe the acquisition of Anacor represents an attractive opportunity to address a significant unmet medical need for a large patient population with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, which currently has few safe topical treatments available,” said Albert Bourla, group president of Pfizer’s Global Innovative Pharma and Global Vaccines, Oncology and Consumer Healthcare Businesses. “Crisaborole is a differentiated asset with compelling clinical data that, if approved, has the potential to be an important first-line treatment option for these patients and the physicians who treat them.”
 
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Anacor, which we believe will deliver significant value to our shareholders,” said Paul L. Berns, Anacor’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We have a deep respect for Pfizer, and it is clear that they share our commitment to addressing the significant unmet medical needs in inflammatory disease. We are proud of the innovative company that our team has built and are confident that Pfizer will help accelerate Anacor’s important mission given the strength of its global platform and resources.”