Acerta Pharma
Established: 2013
Country: Netherlands
Region: Oss
Investors: BOM, BioGeneration Ventures, Frazier Healthcare Partners (lead)
Acerta Pharma is a leader in the field of covalent binding technology and is applying this knowledge to create a range of highly selective therapies for cancer, most notably leukaemia. The Netherlands-based company’s pioneering treatment Calaquence (acalabrutinib) has been shown to improve the quality of life for adult patients as a viable alternative to aggressive chemotherapy.
Venture capital expertise was instrumental in directing Acerta Pharma towards immuno-oncology. Biogeneration Ventures and BOM Brabant Ventures helped establish the company in 2013 and rapidly progress its treatments into clinical trials1. Following positive results, AstraZeneca acquired a 55% stake in the company at a valuation of $7 billion, including milestone payments. Acerta Pharma’s flagship drug is estimated to achieve potential annual sales in excess of $5 billion globally, with the company now serving as AstraZeneca’s haematology R&D unit2.
Pivot Park - Interview Allard Kaptein, founder Acerta Pharma (Video – 03:01)
$60m
raised from VC investors
$4bn
sale of 55% stake to AstraZeneca
200+
jobs created in development of treatment
Key achievements
Secured significant investment from AstraZeneca at $7bn valuation, becoming pharma group’s haematology research division
US and EU approval for Calaquence, flagship leukaemia treatment for adults
Funding history
Raised $60m from VC investors3
Sold 55% stake to AstraZeneca for $4bn, including $1.5bn milestone payment4
Employment impact
Created over 200 jobs in development of treatments5
Find out more
1. https://biogenerationventures.com/en/bgv_case_studies/acerta_pharma
2. https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2016/astrazeneca-completes-transaction-for-majority-equity-stake-investment-in-acerta-pharma-01022016.html#
3. https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/acerta-pharma/company_overview/overview_timeline
4. https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2016/astrazeneca-completes-transaction-for-majority-equity-stake-investment-in-acerta-pharma-01022016.html#
5. https://www.acerta-pharma.com/about.html#Leadership
Investors
