Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Visterra closed a definitive merger agreement for an approx. value of $ 430 million. The deal will allow Otsuka to access the Hierotope platform for the design and engineering of next-generation antibody-based therapies. Visterra’s pipeline includes programs targeting IgA nephropathy and other kidney diseases, cancer, chronic pain and infectious diseases. Following completion of the acquisition, Visterra will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka America. The acquired platform also includes Fc engineering capabilities for half-life extension, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).