Shots:

• Merck to acquire Acceleron for $180/share in cash making a total equity value of ~$11.5B representing a premium of 2.6% to the stock’s closing price. The transaction is expected to close in Q4’21
• The acquisition will strengthen Merck’s cardiovascular pipeline. Acceleron’s sotatercept is currently in P-III trials & has the potential to improve short-term & long-term clinical outcomes in patients with PAH
• In 2011- Acceleron has entered into a collaboration with BMS to develop and commercialize Reblozyl. The therapy has been approved in the US- EU- Canada- and Australia for the treatment of anemia in rare blood disorders

  Ref: Merck | Image: Merck