Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Actio Biosciences for $820 Million

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc and Actio Biosciences, Inc. have announced a definitive agreement for Jazz to acquire Actio Biosciences for $820 million upfront and up to $500 million in contingent consideration. Actio Biosciences' lead clinical asset, ABS-1230, is a potential first-in-class precision therapy for KCNT1+ epilepsy.

This rare genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy affects approximately 2,500 patients in the United States, with no FDA-approved therapies currently available. ABS-1230 has shown meaningful seizure reductions in an early clinical proof-of-concept trial and has FDA Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease, Orphan Drug Product designations, and has been accepted into the FDA's new Rare Disease Evidence Principles (RDEP) program.

The transaction includes a spin-out of a new privately-held entity focused on genetic rare neurological diseases, with Jazz receiving a minority stake and certain related rights. The acquisition will further enhance Jazz Pharmaceuticals' rare epilepsy portfolio, adding to their success with Epidiolex. The deal is expected to close by the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. ABS-1230 is designed to be a potent and selective orally available small molecule KCNT1 inhibitor, showing promise for all patients with KCNT1-related epilepsy.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharma company focused on developing life-changing medicines for people with rare diseases. Actio Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging genetics to develop novel small molecule precision medicines for rare diseases.