Incyte said it will buy Vega Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics, for $1.25 billion upfront, with Star eligible for as much as $750 million more if sales milestones are reached, putting the total potential value of the deal at $2.0 billion.
The acquisition centers on VGA039, a phase 3 monoclonal antibody in development for von Willebrand disease. Incyte said the asset would expand its hematology portfolio into bleeding disorders.
VGA039 is already in the VIVID-6 phase 3 study, a global single-arm cross-over trial in patients with all types of von Willebrand disease. The drug is positioned as a once-monthly, subcutaneous prophylactic therapy. Current prophylactic options for the disease often require two to three intravenous infusions each week.
The company said about 135,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with von Willebrand disease.
Incyte expects the transaction to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to Hart-Scott-Rodino review and other customary conditions. It said the deal will result in an expected R&D charge of about $1.25 billion, to be included in third-quarter and full-year 2026 results.
Star Therapeutics said VGA039 has received breakthrough therapy, fast track, orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations from the FDA.
The deal was approved by both companies’ boards. Incyte said it will hold an analyst and investor call on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET. Today the company's shares have moved 0.61% to a price of $103.00. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.
