Merck (MRK) Said to be Interested in Relypsa (RLYP) - Source

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Relypsa (RLYP) Could Be Next High-Profile Takeout, Says Citi

November 6, 2015 10:09 AM EST

Relypsa (NASDAQ: RLYP) opened higher Friday after AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) announced a deal to acquire peer ZS Pharma (NASDAQ: ZSPH). The deal announcement stoked speculation Relypsa could be next a topic that was discussed in a research note by analysts at Citi.

Citi sees ZS Pharma's ZS-9 and Relypsa's Veltassa each... More

AstraZeneca (AZN) to Acquire ZS Pharma (ZSPH) in $2.7B Deal

November 6, 2015 6:36 AM EST

AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ZS Pharma (NASDAQ: ZSPH), a biopharmaceutical company based in San Mateo, California. ZS Pharma uses its proprietary ion­-trap technology to develop novel treatments for hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels), a serious condition of elevated potassium in the bloodstream, typically associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic heart failure (CHF).

The transaction will give AstraZeneca access to the potassium-binding compound ZS-9, a potential best-in-class treatment for hyperkalaemia, a condition associated with increased mortality in CKD and CHF. ZS-9 is under regulatory review by the US Food and Drug Administration with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date of 26 May 2016. A submission for European Marketing Application Authorisation is planned by the end of 2015. Current estimates for global peak year sales of ZS-9 exceed $1 billion.

The acquisition continues AstraZenecas track record of targeted business... More