Abbott to boost business with Facet acquisition

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. Abbott will acquire Facet Biotech for $450 million, the drug maker announced Wednesday.

Abbott said the $27-per-share deal to buy the Redwood City, Calif.-based Facet would bolster its pipeline with treatments for autoimmune disorders and cancer in early- to mid-stage development. Facet plans to begin phase 3 trials of the multiple sclerosis treatment daclizumab, which it is developing with Biogen Idec, later this year. It also has several treatments for multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in phase 1 and phase 2 trials.

“We believe this transaction provides full and fair value for our stockholders and validates the potential of Facet’s clinical and technology assets, all of which has resulted from the effort and dedication of our employees,” Facet president and CEO Faheem Hasnain said in a statement. “Abbott’s depth of expertise in immunology and oncology makes it an excellent organization to maximize the full potential of these promising clinical programs and technologies.”