Pfizer to boost respiratory drug portfolio with ReViral purchase

ReViral is privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercialising novel antiviral therapeutics that target respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The deal, Pfizer’s second acquisition in less than six months, after the $6.7 billion takeover of Arena Pharmaceuticals in December - is expected to boost its drug portfolio. 

The proposed acquisition will strengthen Pfizer’s capabilities in infectious disease research and development with a complementary strategy to help improve patient outcomes through treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections and prevent illness through vaccination.

It would also expand Pfizer’s innovative anti-infective pipeline and utilise the company’s R&D, manufacturing and commercialisation expertise with the goal of addressing a significant unmet need for RSV treatments.

“At Pfizer, we have a strong heritage in, and commitment to, fighting infectious diseases, most recently evidenced by our delivery of the first authorized vaccine and oral therapy to combat COVID-19,” said Albert Bourla, chairman and chief executive fficer, Pfizer. “We’re continuing to grow our pipeline – through our own research-and-development efforts, such as our investigational RSV vaccine programmes, as well as strategic investments in companies like ReViral – with a focus on end-to-end capabilities to help protect patients from severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.”

RSV is a respiratory pathogen, which can lead to severe and life-threatening lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in high-risk populations, including young infants, immunocompromised individuals, and older adults. It is estimated to cause infections in approximately 64 million people, resulting in about 160,000 deaths, globally each year.

ReViral has a portfolio of promising therapeutic candidates, including sisunatovir, an orally administered inhibitor designed to block fusion of the RSV virus to the host cell. Sisunatovir significantly reduced viral load in a phase 2 RSV human challenge study in healthy adults and is currently in phase 2 clinical development in infants. The development programme for sisunatovir is expected to continue in both adult and pediatric populations. A second programme is focused on the inhibition of RSV replication targeting the viral N protein. The lead candidate in this programme is currently in phase 1 clinical development.

“Currently, treatment options for RSV are extremely limited and focus primarily on supportive care,” said Annaliesa Anderson, Ph D, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Bacterial Vaccines and Hospital, at Pfizer. “The proposed acquisition of ReViral’s pipeline of therapeutic candidates is complementary to our efforts to advance the first vaccine candidate to help protect against this harmful disease. Combining the capabilities and expertise of our organisations will enable us to further the clinical development of a potential therapy for those with RSV disease.”

Sisunatovir has been granted Fast Track designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In June 2021, ReViral announced the successful completion of Part A of the phase 2 REVIRAL1 study of sisunatovir for the treatment of RSV infections in hospitalized infants. 

“Since the foundation of the company a decade ago by Dr Ken Powell and Dr Stuart Cockerill, ReViral’s mission has always been to develop world-class therapies for RSV patients,” said Alex C Sapir, CEO, ReViral. “This acquisition represents a validation of the deep antiviral experience of the ReViral team and our unwavering commitment to deliver therapies for patients in need. Pfizer is an optimal partner given their commitment to RSV through their ongoing RSV vaccine program, coupled with their world-class clinical, regulatory, manufacturing and commercial capabilities. We look forward to working with our colleagues at Pfizer to bring these therapies to patients as quickly as possible.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will acquire ReViral for a total consideration of up to $525 million, including upfront and development milestones. If successful, Pfizer believes annual revenue for these programs has the potential to reach or exceed $1.5 billion. The proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.

Clifford Chance LLP is acting as Pfizer’s legal advisor. Centerview Partners LLC and BofA Securities served as ReViral’s financial advisors, with Goodwin Procter LLP acting as its legal advisor.