Supernus Pharmaceuticals and Sage Therapeutics announced a definitive agreement for Supernus to acquire Sage through a tender offer for $8.50 per share in cash (or an aggregate of approximately $561 million), payable at closing, plus one non-tradable contingent value right (CVR) collectively worth up to $3.50 per share in cash (or an aggregate of approximately $234 million), for total consideration of $12.00 per share in cash (or an aggregate of up to approximately $795 million). The CVR is payable upon achieving certain net sales and commercial milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
The transaction will provide Supernus with an innovative marketed product: ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone) capsules CIV, the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved oral medicine indicated for the treatment of adults with postpartum depression. Through a collaboration agreement with Biogen, Inc., Supernus will report collaboration revenue that is 50% of total net revenue Biogen records for ZURZUVAE in the U.S.
“This acquisition represents a major step in bolstering our future growth. It augments our growth profile by adding a significant fourth growth product to our portfolio and further diversifies our sources of future growth. ZURZUVAE aligns with our focus of acquiring novel value-enhancing and clinically-differentiated medicines to treat CNS conditions,” said Jack Khattar, President and CEO of Supernus Pharmaceuticals. “We have a proven track record of strong commercial execution, and we look forward to building on ZURZUVAE’s U.S. growth momentum and collaboration with Biogen, so that more women with postpartum depression can benefit from this novel treatment.”
“Since our founding, Sage Therapeutics has been committed to pioneering new solutions in brain health, one of the most complex and underserved areas of medicine,” said Barry Greene, Chief Executive Officer, Sage Therapeutics. “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, including successfully developing and commercializing ZURZUVAE, the first and only oral treatment for women with postpartum depression. This transaction follows a comprehensive strategic review by our Board of Directors, and I am confident this deal maximizes value for shareholders. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Sage team for their unwavering commitment to brain health and improving the lives of patients. We look forward to our next chapter with Supernus.”
Strategic and Financial Benefits
- Strengthens psychiatry portfolio with ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone) capsules CIV, the first and only FDA-approved oral medicine indicated for the treatment of postpartum depression in adults.
- Diversifies and increases revenue base and cash flow.
- Collaboration revenue from net sales of ZURZUVAE (representing 50% of the net revenue recorded by Biogen) was $36.1 million and $13.8 million for the full year 2024 and for the first quarter of 2025, respectively.
- Combined with its three other growth products (Qelbree®, ONAPGOTM, and GOCOVRI®), Supernus believes it is poised for significant future growth.
- Augments Supernus central nervous system (CNS) discovery platforms and expertise.
- Strong fit with existing Supernus infrastructure is expected to result in cost synergies of up to $200 million on an annual basis.
- The acquisition is expected to be significantly accretive in 2026.
Terms and Financing
Under the terms of the agreement, Supernus will commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Sage Therapeutics, Inc. for a purchase price of $8.50 per share in cash (or an aggregate of approximately $561 million) payable at closing plus one non-tradable CVR. All cash consideration will be funded through existing balance sheet cash.
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