On Jun. 8, 2026, Incyte announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Vega Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics, for $1.25 billion. Star Therapeutics will be eligible to receive up to $750 million in additional payments upon the achievement of sales milestones, for total potential consideration of up to $2.0 billion subject to customary closing adjustments. The proposed acquisition would add VGA039, a novel monoclonal antibody, to Incyte’s hematology portfolio.

Vega Therapeutics’ lead candidate, VGA039, modulates Protein S to improve hemostasis, potentially improving the body’s ability to control bleeding in numerous bleeding disorders. VGA039 is in Phase 3 pivotal development for patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It has the potential to be the first subcutaneous prophylactic therapy with a convenient dosing regimen for patients with VWD who currently require frequent intravenous infusions.

Approximately 135,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with von Willebrand disease. The disease is characterized by excessive bleeding that can vary in severity and frequency and may significantly affect quality of life. Current prophylactic treatment options include factor replacement therapies that often require 2 to 3 intravenous infusions each week.

VGA039 has received Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track, orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VGA039 has advanced into the Phase 3 VIVID-6 study (NCT07115004), a global single arm cross-over study to investigate safety and efficacy of the subcutaneous administration of VGA039 as prophylaxis for bleeding in patients with every type of VWD, including those with a high disease burden.

The transaction has been approved by both Incyte’s and Star Therapeutics’ Boards of Directors. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, Incyte will acquire all the outstanding shares of Vega Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics. The closing of the proposed transaction will be subject to certain conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary conditions. The transaction is an equity acquisition and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending Hart-Scott-Rodino review resulting in an expected R&D charge of approximately $1.25 billion, that will be included in third quarter and full year 2026 GAAP and non-GAAP results