Asahi Kasei to Acquire Biopharma Firm Aicuris for $921 Million

By Jason Chau

Japanese industrial conglomerate Asahi Kasei has agreed to acquire German biopharmaceutical firm Aicuris for more than $900 million.

Under the agreement announced Thursday, Asahi Kasei will buy all outstanding shares of Aicuris for 780 million euros, equivalent to $921 million, through its U.S. subsidiary Veloxis Pharmaceuticals.

The deal is intended to expand Asahi Kasei's portfolio of treatments for immune-related infections.

The company, whose operations span across chemical engineering, housing and healthcare, said the deal supports its plan to integrate research, clinical development and commercialization of its pharmaceutical business across Japan, the U.S. and Europe.

Aicuris develops antiviral therapies for people with weakened immune systems. Its flagship product, Prevymis is used to prevent viral infections in organ transplant recipients. Other drug candidates developed to treat and prevent complications from herpes and BK virus arising from kidney transplants are completing clinical trials.

"This acquisition strategically enhances and further integrates the value chain across our priority focus areas of autoimmunity, renal-related diseases, transplantation, and severe infectious diseases," said Ken Shinomiya, head of Asahi Kasei's healthcare unit.

Larry Edwards, Aicuris's chief executive, said the transaction would accelerate the company's research and development efforts and strengthen preparations for a U.S. launch.

The companies expect the transaction to close in the first half of this year.

Write to Jason Chau at jason.chau@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 26, 2026 03:41 ET (08:41 GMT)