In a bold bid to dominate the neuropsychiatric treatment space, Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced Monday that it will acquire Sage Therapeutics Inc. in a transaction valued at up to $795 million, striking a deal that could reshape the pharmaceutical landscape in central nervous system (CNS) care.
Backed by Saul Ewing LLP, Supernus will pay $8.50 per share in cash—a total of $561 million—to purchase Sage, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. But the real intrigue lies in the additional contingent value rights (CVRs), which could boost the final payout to $12 per share if future performance benchmarks are hit.
The Crown Jewel: Zurzuvae Enters Supernus’ Arsenal
A major coup in this acquisition is Zurzuvae, the first and only FDA-approved oral therapy for postpartum depression. The blockbuster drug is expected to help Supernus trim up to $200 million in annual costs while supercharging its CNS pipeline.
“This acquisition is a game-changer,” said Jack Khattar, CEO of Supernus. “Zurzuvae is a novel, differentiated treatment that fits perfectly into our growth trajectory and long-term CNS strategy.”
Supernus said the acquisition adds a fourth growth pillar to its portfolio, further diversifying revenue streams and cementing its commitment to novel psychiatric and neurological therapies.
