Simpson Thacher represented CSL Behring in connection with its acquisition of Vitaeris Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the phase III development of clazakizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) monoclonal antibody (MAB), for the potential treatment of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), the leading cause of long-term rejection in kidney transplant recipients. The companies entered into a strategic partnership in 2017 to expedite the development of clazakizumab with the option for CSL Behring to acquire Vitaeris, along with this important product candidate.
CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader driven by its promise to save lives. Focused on serving patients’ needs by using the latest technologies, CSL Behring develops and delivers innovative therapies that are used to treat coagulation disorders, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema, respiratory disease and neurological disorders. The company’s products are also used in cardiac surgery, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn.
The Simpson Thacher team included Mark Pflug, Michael Yan and Tarra Theisen (M&A); Lori Lesser, Buzz Frahn, Alysha Sekhon, Kate Mirino, Michael Morey and Raul Duran (Intellectual Property); Vanessa Burrows (Healthcare); and David Rubinsky, Caitlin Lucey and Alan Fenyes (Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits).