WILMINGTON, DE — Incyte (Nasdaq: INCY) has completed its $1.25 billion acquisition of Vega Therapeutics, adding a Phase 3 treatment candidate for von Willebrand disease to its late-stage hematology pipeline as the drugmaker broadens its portfolio beyond oncology and prepares to advance the therapy through pivotal clinical testing.
The company said the acquisition brings VGA039, an investigational monoclonal antibody for patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), into its portfolio. The therapy is being evaluated in a global Phase 3 trial and targets the most common inherited bleeding disorder.
The transaction, previously disclosed, includes $1.25 billion in upfront consideration, with Star Therapeutics eligible to receive up to $750 million in additional payments tied to future sales milestones. Incyte said it expects the acquisition to be recorded as a one-time research and development expense in its third-quarter and full-year 2026 GAAP and non-GAAP financial results.
The deal expands Incyte’s presence in hematology by adding a late-stage asset that could enter a new therapeutic category if approved.
“With the acquisition complete, VGA039 adds one of the most promising late-stage hematology assets in development to our portfolio,” Chief Executive Officer Bill Meury said. “Our priority is to advance the Phase 3 program.”
VGA039 is designed to modulate Protein S to improve hemostasis, or the body’s ability to control bleeding. The therapy is being studied as a once-monthly, self-administered subcutaneous treatment intended to reduce bleeding episodes in patients with all forms of von Willebrand disease.
Current preventive treatments for many patients typically require multiple intravenous factor replacement infusions each week.
The investigational therapy has received Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track, orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is currently being evaluated in the Phase 3 VIVID-6 trial, a global single-arm crossover study assessing its safety and efficacy as a prophylactic treatment for patients with varying forms of the disease.
Von Willebrand disease is caused by low or defective levels of von Willebrand factor, a protein essential for blood clotting. Approximately 135,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with the condition, according to information released by the company.
Lazard advised Incyte on the transaction, while Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal counsel. Evercore and Morgan Stanley advised Star Therapeutics, with Fenwick & West LLP acting as legal counsel.
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