ZymoGenetics (NASDAQ:NGEN): Squibb Aquires Another Gives Sector Boost

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said Tuesday it will acquire biotechnology partner ZymoGenetics Inc. for $885 million in another move by a major drugmaker to boost its pipeline by snapping up a smaller developer. The New York drugmaker's $9.75-per-share bid represents a 77 percent premium to Zymogenetics' closing price of $5.51.

Bristol-Myers' said the deal is worth $735 million excluding ZymoGenetics' cash on hand. Both companies have approved the deal and the board of ZymoGenetics is recommending that shareholders support the bid.

ZymoGenetics stock jumped $4.50, or nearly 85 percent, to $9.76 in aftermarket trading.

Seattle-based ZymoGenetics makes Recothrom, a drug used to reduce bleeding during surgeries. Since January 2009 it has been working with Bristol-Myers to develop a potential hepatitis C treatment called pegylated interferon lambda. That drug is in midstage clinical testing, and the companies said it "could be an important contributor to Bristol-Myers Squibb's future growth" if it is approved.

ZymoGenetics is also testing experimental treatments for cancer and inflammatory disorders including atopic dermatitis.

"The acquisition of ZymoGenetics brings us full ownership of a promising investigational biologic that strengthens our very diversified Hepatitis C portfolio," said Lamberto Andreotti, CEO of Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Bristol-Myers is one of the world's largest drugmakers and sells Plavix, a blood thinner that is the world's second-best selling brand name drug. Its other products include the psychiatric disorder treatment Abilify, Reyataz and Sustiva for HIV, Sprycel for cancer, and Onglyza for diabetes.

However the company is looking for ways to shore up its growth in the coming years. The patents supporting Plavix will expire in 2012, allowing cheaper generic versions to enter the market and eroding sales. Bristol-Myers' blood pressure drug Avapro is likely to face generic competition the same year.

For more information visit http://www.worldmarketmedia.com/779/section.aspx/2350/post/zymogenetics-nasdaqngen-squibb-aquires-another-gives-sector-boost

ZymoGenetics (NASDAQ:NGEN): Squibb Aquires Another Gives Sector Boost

By: Ronald Russo

POST COMMENT

The Benefits Of Private Saxophone Lessons Verizon Ringtones - send ringtones to your phone INSTANTLY How Apple iPhone applications support your activities better Must Have smartphone with great feature and provide you with everything that you need Mobile Ipv6 Which To Service Quality Life's No Bother Thanks To Adult Wipes & Washcloths - One Wipe, Many Uses Videocon Mobile Phones Knowledge On Free Reverse Phone Number Lookup Benefits For Using Any Reverse Telephone Lookup Directory For Tracing People Get A Cellular Phone Without Your Credit Getting Checked The Sizeable Assortment Of Bad Credit Mobile Phones Available Knowing How To Reverse Lookup Cell Phones How To Conduct A Reverse Cell Phone Number Lookup