---
title: Splurges & Sprees to kick off 2019
description: A look at some of the M&A activity across pharma to kick off 2019!
image: https://blog.zymewire.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/5c51b837696449cfb57a89e3_M%26A3%20(1)-1.png
---

[![arrow](https://blog.zymewire.com/hubfs/zymewire-2022/images/back%20arrow.svg)](https://blog.zymewire.com)

# Splurges & Sprees to kick off 2019

##### October 15, 2019 | Sean Cannon | Industry Articles

Welcome to Zymewire’s newest blog series, **Flagged Events: M&A**, where we will be recapping some of the latest mergers & acquisition activities across pharma for the month. Needless to say, it’s been a busy few weeks to kick off the new year!

‍

#### [Aldeyra buys Helio Vision](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aldeyra-therapeutics-expands-retinal-disease-pipeline-with-acquisition-of-helio-vision-300785624.html)

Late in the month, Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc. ($ALDX) announced their [acquisition](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aldeyra-therapeutics-expands-retinal-disease-pipeline-with-acquisition-of-helio-vision-300785624.html) of private biotech Helio Vision, bringing their Ph. 3 candidate for the treatment of proliferatie vitreoretinopathy (PVR). ADX 2191 previously received designation as an orphan drug.The addition will expand Aldeyra’s [later stage ocular pipeline](https://www.aldeyra.com/development-status/), and bolster their offerings that target immune-mediated indications.

The [terms of the deal](https://seekingalpha.com/news/3426898-aldeyra-buys-helio-vision-25m-stock-deal) state that Helio will receive $10M in Aldeyra common shares initially, with a potential extra $2.5M in 2 years. Completion of regulatory milestones may earn them another $12.5M in stock.

***Have a Zymewire account?**** View global activity for *[*Aldeyra Therapeutics*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/53297bbff5c3c807c7002bd3/events)* and *[*Helio Vision*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/5a32e22cf5c3c80b03008757/events)* here!*

‍

#### [Seelos Therapeutic’s Merger with Apricus Biosciences](http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/24/1704852/0/en/Seelos-Therapeutics-Inc-Announces-Successful-Completion-of-its-Merger-with-Apricus-Biosciences-Inc-to-Advance-Late-Stage-Pipeline-of-Products-for-Central-Nervous-System-CNS-Disorde.html)

CNS - Focused Biopharmaceutical company Seelos Therapeutics ($SEEL) announced the completion of its [merger ](http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/24/1704852/0/en/Seelos-Therapeutics-Inc-Announces-Successful-Completion-of-its-Merger-with-Apricus-Biosciences-Inc-to-Advance-Late-Stage-Pipeline-of-Products-for-Central-Nervous-System-CNS-Disorde.html)with Apricus Biosciences ($APRI) on January 24th 2019. The combined entity will operate under the name of Seelos Therapeutics Inc. and will continue to develop therapies against CNS indications with unmet needs. The merger will add Apricus’ 2 [candidates](http://www.apricusbio.com/pipeline/), Vitaros and RayVa, to [Seelos’ primarily preclinical pipeline](https://www.seelostx.com/pipeline).

Seelos’ HQ will remain in New York City, and their current CEO, Raj Mehra, will serve at the helm of the combined company. Seelos shareholders come away owning 85% of the company, with Apricus’ pre-merger shareholders owning the remaining approximate 15%.

***Have a Zymewire account? ****View global activity for *[*Seelos Therapeutics*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/57e3e222f5c3c85dfa000583/events)* and *[*Apricus Biosciences*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/5051cdc195002c22910000d6/events)*!*

‍

#### [GSK’s acquisition of Tesaro](https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-completes-acquisition-of-tesaro-an-oncology-focused-biopharmaceutical-company/)

British pharma and consumer health giant, GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) [purchased](https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-completes-acquisition-of-tesaro-an-oncology-focused-biopharmaceutical-company/) Waltham’s oncology focused TESARO ($TSRO) this month for a tidy $5.1B cash offer. The acquisition brings the marketed Zejula (niraparib) as well as TESARO's fair sized list of [candidate programs](https://www.tesarobio.com/en/pipeline) into [GSK’s oncology pipeline](https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/research/product-pipeline/).

Combination and monotherapy treatments with niraparib are underway, testing the drug against populations with and without gBRCA mutations, with results expected later this year.

***Have a Zymewire account? ****View global activiy for *[*GlaxoSmithKline*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/4fb6d30a5825b9112d01b4c9/events)* and *[*TESARO*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/4fb6d3235825b9112d01bcef/events)* here!*

#### [AMAG buys Perosphere](http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/17/1701244/0/en/AMAG-Pharmaceuticals-Completes-Acquisition-of-Perosphere-Pharmaceuticals.html)

AMAG ($AMAG) announced the completion of its [acquisition](http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/17/1701244/0/en/AMAG-Pharmaceuticals-Completes-Acquisition-of-Perosphere-Pharmaceuticals.html) of Perosphere Pharmaceuticals, bringing 2 preclinical candidate programs [Glucagon and Felbamate (PER726)] and clinical asset Ciraparantag (PER977). Currently in Phase II, Ciraparantag is being developed for the reversal of regular anticoagulant therapies when patients need emergency surgery, or have uncontrolled bleeding.

Under the [terms of the deal](https://www.amagpharma.com/news/amag-pharmaceuticals-enters-into-definitive-merger-agreement-to-acquire-perosphere-pharmaceuticals/), Perosphere shareholders will receive $50M from AMAG, and the purchasing company will also be assuming $18.2M of Perosphere’s liabilities ($12M term loan and $6.2M other liabilities).[‍](http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/07/1681072/0/en/Lilly-Announces-Agreement-To-Acquire-Loxo-Oncology.html)

***Have a Zymewire account? ****View global activity for *[*AMAG*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/4fb6d2ef5825b9112d01ad80/events)* and *[*Perosphere Pharmaceuticals*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/517922c043458070c2000036/events)* here!*

‍

#### [Lilly & Loxo](http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/07/1681072/0/en/Lilly-Announces-Agreement-To-Acquire-Loxo-Oncology.html)

Indianapolis’ Eli Lilly and Company ($LLY) announced their [acquisition](http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/07/1681072/0/en/Lilly-Announces-Agreement-To-Acquire-Loxo-Oncology.html) of Stamford’s Loxo Oncology ($LOXO). The commercial biopharma markets [Vitrakvi (larotrectinib)](https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/fda-approves-vitrakvi-larotrectinib-for-tumors-with-certain-genetic-change.html), which targets solid tumors testing positive for NTRK genes, independent of the type of cancer. Loxo’s burgeoning pipeline will slot nicely into Lilly’s oncology offerings, further strengthening the titan’s [lineup](https://www.lilly.com/products).

Eli Lilly will purchase all outstanding shares of Loxo, to the tune of $8B in cash, becoming the largest deal in their recent series of acquisitions aimed at building out their oncology efforts.

***Have a Zymewire account?**** View global activity for *[*Eli Lilly*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/4fb6d3065825b9112d01b3a8/events)* and *[*Loxo Oncology*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/51dd5f617206893fd6000073/events)* here!*

#### Generex gets busy

Generex Biotechnology Corporation ($GNBT) had a big month, announcing four separate acquisitions. On January 7th, they announced the completion of their [acquisition of Regentys Corporation](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190107005346/en/Generex-Biotechnology-Completes-Acquisition-Regentys-Corporation/?feedref=JjAwJuNHiystnCoBq_hl-RLXHJgazfQJNuOVHefdHP-D8R-QU5o2AvY8bhI9uvWSD8DYIYv4TIC1g1u0AKcacnnViVjtb72bOP4-4nHK5ieT3WxPE8m_kWI77F87CseT) for $400 000 upfront, and another $14.6M dependent on various milestones being reached. The purchase brings in Regentys’ [Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel](https://www.regentys.com/research/) treatment for Ulcerative Collitis, with potential for targeting other gastrointestinal indications in the future.

Next, they closed the deal for 51% of New York’s Olaregen Therapeutix on a [similarly structured deal](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190108005344/en/Generex-Biotechnology-Completes-Acquisition-Olaregen-Therapeutix/?feedref=JjAwJuNHiystnCoBq_hl-bQQCakZDujohEJegUyaJwquReQ0P23MrIoWkrUSV24ZevRMp3sIgu8q3wq1OF24lT93qbEzrwa15HGbLqMObxbNWfZlBntHS6jpH5ROLXsTFMkl05DM8ABqeyBleEmzJA==) as Regentys, with a $400 000 upfront payment and $11.6M for various milestones. Olaregen launched their first product, Excellagen, a syringe-based topical wound healing therapy, used to treat [17 wound types](https://www.excellagen.com/about/).

Generex also announced the acquisition of [Pantheon Medical](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190109005250/en/Generex-Biotechnology-Announces-Acquisition-Surgical-Device-Manufacturer/?feedref=JjAwJuNHiystnCoBq_hl-RLXHJgazfQJNuOVHefdHP-D8R-QU5o2AvY8bhI9uvWSD8DYIYv4TIC1g1u0AKcacnnViVjtb72bOP4-4nHK5ieT3WxPE8m_kWI77F87CseT), an orthopedic surgical device manufacturer, and [MediSource Partners](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190110005211/en/Generex-Biotechnology-Announces-Acquisition-Surgical-Supply-Distribution/?feedref=JjAwJuNHiystnCoBq_hl-RLXHJgazfQJNuOVHefdHP-D8R-QU5o2AvY8bhI9uvWSD8DYIYv4TIC1g1u0AKcacnnViVjtb72bOP4-4nHK5ieT3WxPE8m_kWI77F87CseT), a surgical and medical product distributor. Both deals were for Generex stock as well as additional stock and cash considerations for sales and profit projections.

However, it does not appear that Generex is done with their purchasing spree. They signed a letter of intent to acquire Fuse Medical ($FZMD), a Texas surgical supply company, pending the completion of due diligence. The all stock deal would be valued at $34M in all common stock.

***Have a Zymewire account?**** *[*View global activity for Generex Biotechnology Corporation here*](https://www.zymewire.com/company/5023a9c295002c4eab000011/events)*!*‍

‍

### Want to track more M&A activity in your region?

If you would like a simple solution for keeping an eye on industry activity as it happens, without relying on a database, [**Zymewire**](https://www.zymewire.com?utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=Flagged-events-MA&utm_content=Jan2019) is here to help. Reach out today, and stay tuned for the next instalment of **Flagged Events: M&A**. If you enjoy these articles, please feel free to give them a share through the social links below!

### Comments

#### Share it on

- ![Twitter](https://blog.zymewire.com/hubfs/zymewire-2022/images/brandico_twitter-bird.svg)
- ![Linkedin](https://blog.zymewire.com/hubfs/zymewire-2022/images/eva_linkedin-fill.svg)
- ![Facebook](https://blog.zymewire.com/hubfs/zymewire-2022/images/brandico_facebook.svg)

### Subscribe now

## Related blogs

##### [![When M&A Should Drive Sales, Why Does It Often Do the Opposite?](https://blog.zymewire.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Zymewire_%20M%26A%20Blog%20Cover.png?A%20Blog%20Cover.png&width=500&name=Zymewire_%20M%26A%20Blog%20Cover.png?A%20Blog%20Cover.png) When M&A Should Drive Sales, Why Does It Often Do the Opposite? In the fast-paced world of life sciences, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are often seen as a golden ticket to growth. But what happens ... 21 Apr, 2025](https://blog.zymewire.com/when-ma-should-drive-sales-why-does-it-often-do-the-opposite)

##### [![Biopharma Recap: Q3 2024](https://blog.zymewire.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Q3%202024%20Biopharma%20Recap%20(Zymewire).png?width=500&name=Q3%202024%20Biopharma%20Recap%20(Zymewire).png) Biopharma Recap: Q3 2024 In our Q3 2024 biopharma recap, we dive into the latest trends in funding, clinical trial activity, and therapeutic focus areas across the ... 15 Oct, 2024](https://blog.zymewire.com/biopharma-recap-q3-2024)

##### [![Q2 Biopharma Recap](https://blog.zymewire.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Q2%20Biopharma%20Recap%20Cover.png?width=500&name=Q2%20Biopharma%20Recap%20Cover.png) Q2 Biopharma Recap As the second quarter of 2024 comes to a close, the biopharma landscape continues to evolve with dynamic shifts in funding, clinical ... 24 Jul, 2024](https://blog.zymewire.com/q2-biopharma-recap)

## Custom built for biotech and pharma

We are obsessed with finding new ways to help your business generate more qualified leads.

Our human-verified AI scans thousands of documents every day, separates the signal from the noise, and delivers value in the form of actionable sales intelligence.

Demo Zymewire

### Book a Demo

- Access stealth biotech companies
- Never miss a sales signal
- Find whitespace in your sales territory

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Sean Cannon",
    "url" : "https://blog.zymewire.com/author/sean-cannon"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2021-06-30T19:35:59.272Z",
  "datePublished" : "2019-10-15T04:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Splurges & Sprees to kick off 2019",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.zymewire.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/5c51b837696449cfb57a89e3_M&A3%20(1)-1.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.zymewire.com/post/flagged-events-m-a-splurges-sprees-to-kick-off-2019name",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.zymewire.com/hubfs/white_logo.jpg"
    }
  }
}
```