Checkpoint Therapeutics Joins Sun Pharma: FDA-Approved Cancer Drug Now in Portfolio
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has finalized its acquisition of U.S.-based biotech company Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc., which is a major milestone in the Indian drugmaker’s growth into cutting-edge cancer therapies. The takeover includes UNLOXCYT, the first and sole FDA-approved anti-PD-L1 therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a severe and potentially life-threatening skin cancer.
The deal positions Sun Pharma to broaden its foothold in the fast-evolving field of immuno-oncology, particularly within the specialized area of onco-dermatology. UNLOXCYT (cosibelimab-ipdl) is designed for adults with metastatic or locally advanced cSCC who are not suitable candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
“This acquisition exemplifies Sun Pharma’s commitment to supporting patients and growing its innovative therapies business,” said Dilip Shanghvi, Chairman and Managing Director of Sun Pharma. “By adding UNLOXCYT, we’re leveraging our leadership in the onco-derm space to bring a critical new treatment option to patients and expand our specialty portfolio.”
A Strategic Acquisition
The financial terms of the acquisition include a cash payment of $4.10 per share for all outstanding Checkpoint shares, along with a non-tradable contingent value right (CVR) of up to $0.70 per share tied to future regulatory and sales milestones. This structure reflects both Sun Pharma’s confidence in the commercial potential of UNLOXCYT and the broader value of Checkpoint’s research.
Checkpoint Therapeutics, headquartered in the U.S., focused on developing targeted treatments for solid tumor cancers. Its lead product, UNLOXCYT, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year and has since been recognized as a major advancement for a difficult-to-treat patient population.
Addressing a Common but Complex Cancer
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer in the United States, with nearly 1.8 million cases diagnosed annually, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. While most of these cases respond well to surgery or local treatment, about 40,000 cases become advanced, resulting in major health complications and nearly 15,000 deaths each year.
UNLOXCYT presents an urgently needed treatment option for such high-risk patients. UNLOXCYT has the mechanism of blocking PD-L1, a protein that enables tumor cells to hide from the immune system. By blocking this protein, the treatment allows the body to activate an immune response against cancer cells.
Safety Profile and Clinical Considerations
Although UNLOXCYT has proved to be promising, the treatment comes with risks. Similar to other immune checkpoint drugs, it causes a spectrum of immune-mediated adverse effects on the lungs, liver, kidneys, endocrine glands, and skin. The most frequent are fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, and hypothyroidism.
Healthcare professionals should closely observe patients for signs of complications early on and alter treatment accordingly. The complete prescribing information has comprehensive safety procedures for handling such risks.
Expanding Global Access
The acquisition is expected to help scale access to UNLOXCYT not just in the United States but across multiple global markets. Sun Pharma, already operating in over 100 countries, is well-positioned to integrate the new therapy into its international supply chain and marketing networks.
The acquisition reflects the company’s continued strategy to deepen its specialty and emerging drug business, particularly in growth segments such as oncology and immunotherapy. With production capabilities in six continents and a 50-nationality diversified workforce, Sun Pharma is poised to drive the worldwide extent and influence of its newest acquisition.
With the healthcare sector moving more towards precision medicine and targeted biologics, Sun Pharma’s takeover of Checkpoint Therapeutics marks its commitment to staying ahead of the curve in global pharmaceutical innovation.
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