Incyte Finalizes Escient Pharmaceuticals Acquisition

Wilmington, Del. & San Diego**—Incyte Corporation (Nasdaq: INCY) has officially acquired Escient Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company at the forefront of clinical-stage drug discovery and development specializing in small molecule therapeutics for systemic immune and neuro-immune disorders. This strategic acquisition, valued at $750 million plus Escient’s remaining net cash, signifies Incyte’s commitment to expanding its Inflammation and Autoimmunity (IAI) pipeline, with an intent to accelerate the development of innovative treatment solutions for severe inflammatory diseases.

Hervé Hoppenot, CEO of Incyte, expressed enthusiasm about integrating Escient’s pioneering work into Incyte’s portfolio. "The acquisition of Escient and its first-in-class oral MRGPR antagonists bolsters our IAI portfolio and reinforces our dedication to creating innovative solutions for patients with severe inflammatory conditions," he stated. Hoppenot highlighted the potential of Escient’s therapies to significantly impact the treatment landscape for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.

Through this acquisition, Incyte gains access to two promising clinical candidates, EP262 and EP547. EP262 is a potent, highly selective, once-daily small molecule antagonist of Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2). This receptor, when activated, prompts mast cells to release various pro-inflammatory mediators, contributing to conditions like chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), and atopic dermatitis (AD). By inhibiting MRGPRX2, EP262 offers a novel approach to managing these mast cell-mediated disorders.

EP547, another first-in-class antagonist acquired through this transaction, targets MRGPRX4, a receptor activated by bile acids and other molecules. EP547's mechanism of action positions it as a potential treatment for cholestatic pruritus and other severe pruritus conditions. The addition of these candidates enhances Incyte’s ability to address unmet medical needs in the neurosensory-inflammatory disorder space.

Joshua Grass, CEO of Escient Pharmaceuticals, remarked on the successful transition, noting that it underscores the value of Escient’s innovative work. "Over the past six years, Escient has pioneered the characterization of MRGPR biology and advanced EP262 and EP547 into clinical development," Grass commented. He conveyed optimism about Incyte’s capacity to further develop these therapies and bring them to patients globally.

The acquisition deal includes customary adjustments and was facilitated with advisory support from Centerview Partners LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC for Escient, while Covington & Burling LLP provided legal counsel to Incyte.

Details of EP262 and EP547

EP262 is designed to inhibit MRGPRX2, a receptor on mast cells activated by various ligands, which results in the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine and cytokines. This novel antagonist has shown potential in preclinical studies to treat a range of conditions driven by mast cell activation, focusing initially on chronic urticarias and atopic dermatitis.

EP547 inhibits MRGPRX4, a receptor activated by bile acids and other compounds. This antagonist has demonstrated potential in preclinical settings to treat pruritic conditions, particularly cholestatic and uremic pruritus, by targeting the disease-specific pathways involved.

About Incyte

Incyte is a global biopharmaceutical company striving to provide innovative therapeutic solutions for patients with unmet medical needs. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Incyte’s portfolio includes first-in-class medicines in oncology and inflammation & autoimmunity. The company operates across North America, Europe, and Asia.

About Escient Pharmaceuticals

Based in San Diego, Escient Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing therapies for neurosensory-inflammatory disorders. The company’s pipeline includes first-in-class small molecule antagonists targeting MRGPRX2 and MRGPRX4, addressing various mast cell-mediated and pruritic conditions. Escient’s experienced team and robust funding have positioned it at the cutting edge of therapeutic innovation.

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