On August 5, 2021, Bayer AG announced the acquisition of Vividion Therapeutics, Inc., a U.S.-headquartered biopharmaceutical company utilizing novel discovery technologies to unlock high-value, traditionally undruggable targets with precision therapeutics. Vividion’s platform is able to produce a variety of small molecule therapies across indications, with initial focus on targets relevant to oncology and immunology. Vividion’s lead programs include multiple precision oncology targets and precision immunology targets, with ongoing efforts on a transcription factor NRF2 antagonist for the potential treatment of NRF2 mutant cancers, as well as NRF2 activators for various inflammatory diseases such as irritable bowel disease, among other pre-clinical programs. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Vividion on patent matters related to the transaction.

Following the closing of the acquisition, Bayer will own full rights to Vividion’s proprietary discovery platform, which comprises three integrated, synergistic components: a novel chemoproteomic screening technology, an integrated data portal, and a proprietary chemistry library. The acquisition of Vividion strengthens Bayer’s small molecule capabilities and expands Bayer’s reach into new modalities. Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer will pay an upfront consideration of US$1.5 billion and potential success-based milestone payments of up to US$500 million.

To preserve its entrepreneurial culture as an essential pillar for nurturing successful innovation, Vividion will continue to operate as an independent organization on an arm’s length basis. Vividion will remain accountable to advance its technology and portfolio while benefiting from the experience, infrastructure, and reach of Bayer as a global pharmaceutical company.

Closing of the transaction is contingent on customary closing conditions, including receipt of the required regulatory approvals, and is expected to take place in Q3 2021.

The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Vividion on patent matters related to the transaction was led by Uale Taotafa and included Katrina Otrubova and Michael Hostetler.

For more information, please see the press release. Further coverage can be found on Fierce Biotech.