On July 6, 2026 Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) reported that it has completed its acquisition of Vega Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics LLC. The acquisition adds VGA039, a novel monoclonal antibody in Phase 3 development for von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder, to Incyte’s hematology portfolio.

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"With the acquisition complete, VGA039 adds one of the most promising late-stage hematology assets in development to our portfolio. As a potential first-in-class therapy, VGA039 is a strong strategic fit with our hematology franchise and expands our presence into bleeding disorders," said Bill Meury, Chief Executive Officer of Incyte. "Our priority is to advance the Phase 3 program, and we look forward to partnering with our talented new colleagues from Vega to progress VGA039 through clinical development."

VGA039 modulates Protein S to improve hemostasis, potentially improving the body’s ability to control bleeding in numerous bleeding disorders. VGA039 is in pivotal Phase 3 development for patients with VWD, the most common inherited bleeding disorder. If approved, VGA039 has the potential to be the first, once monthly subcutaneous prophylactic therapy for patients with VWD, who currently require frequent intravenous infusions.

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.

As previously disclosed, under the terms of the parties’ stock purchase agreement, Incyte has acquired all outstanding shares of Vega Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics, for $1.25 billion upfront. Star Therapeutics will be eligible to receive up to $750 million in additional payments upon the achievement of sales milestones. We expect the transaction to be reflected as a one-time R&D expense in the third quarter and full year 2026 GAAP and non-GAAP financial results.

Lazard acted as financial advisor to Incyte, and Goodwin Procter LLP served as its legal counsel on the transaction. Evercore and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors to Star Therapeutics, and Fenwick & West LLP served as its legal counsel.

About VGA039
VGA039 is an investigational monoclonal antibody therapy with a novel mechanism of action that targets Protein S, with dual actions promoting platelet attachment and enhancing fibrin deposition to restore hemostasis. VGA039 has the potential to be a universal hemostatic therapy that can treat numerous bleeding disorders, starting with all types of von Willebrand disease (VWD) and bleeding sites. As a subcutaneously self-administered investigational antibody therapy with a convenient once monthly dosing regimen, VGA039 has the potential to improve convenience and quality of life for patients.

About von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly, caused by low or defective von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWD patients may experience excessive bleeding with varying severity and frequency, negatively impacting their daily lives. Current therapies for VWD prophylaxis include factor replacement therapies requiring multiple intravenous (IV) infusions every week. Approximately 135,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with von Willebrand disease.

(Press release, Star Therapeutics, JUL 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234669074])