AstraZeneca chases $5bn Acerta Pharma deal for better cancer drug portfolio

AstraZeneca said yesterday it was in talks that might lead to the acquisition of privately held biotech firm Acerta Pharma, a potential $5bn-plus (€4.54bn) deal designed to build up its cancer drug portfolio.

“AstraZeneca confirms that it is exploring potential strategic options with Acerta Pharma,” it said in a brief statement.

“There can be no certainty that any transaction will ultimately be entered into, or as to the terms of any transaction.”