Servier has announced a major expansion of its neurology and rare disease portfolio through an agreement to acquire the muscular dystrophy business of Edgewise Therapeutics in a deal valued at up to $2.65 billion. The transaction includes an upfront payment of $1.55 billion and up to $1.1 billion in potential regulatory and commercial milestone payments.
The acquisition, which has been approved by the governing bodies of both companies, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
At the center of the deal is sevasemten, an investigational oral therapy that could become one of the first targeted treatments for rare muscular dystrophies. The drug is a first-in-class fast skeletal myosin inhibitor designed to protect fragile muscle tissue from contraction-induced damage, a key driver of disease progression in muscular dystrophy patients.
Sevasemten is currently being evaluated in a pivotal clinical study for Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and a Phase 2 trial for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), two rare genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and disability.
The acquisition also includes Edgewise Therapeutics’ muscular dystrophy-related expertise, development capabilities, and associated research programs. For Servier, the transaction represents a significant step toward strengthening its position in neurology and expanding its presence in rare neuromuscular diseases.
Becker muscular dystrophy is a rare inherited disorder linked to mutations in the dystrophin gene. The condition leads to gradual muscle degeneration and loss of physical function, often affecting mobility and quality of life. Currently, there are no approved therapies specifically indicated for Becker muscular dystrophy, leaving patients with limited treatment options.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a more severe form of the disease and is among the most common muscular dystrophies worldwide. Symptoms typically begin in early childhood, with many patients losing the ability to walk during their teenage years. The disease is progressive and life-limiting, with a median life expectancy of approximately 30 years despite advances in supportive care.
Servier said the acquisition aligns with its long-term strategy to build a strong presence in neurological and rare diseases. The company has increasingly focused on conditions with significant unmet medical needs, including refractory epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, movement disorders, and neuromuscular diseases.
Olivier Laureau, President of Servier, described the acquisition as an important milestone in achieving the company’s “Servier 2030” ambitions. He emphasized that developing innovative therapies for patients with debilitating rare disorders remains central to the company’s mission and noted that the addition of sevasemten and the experienced Edgewise team could significantly strengthen Servier’s neurology pipeline.
For Edgewise Therapeutics, the transaction provides an opportunity to place its muscular dystrophy programs within a larger global organization capable of supporting late-stage development and potential commercialization. Kevin Koch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Edgewise Therapeutics, said Servier’s growing commitment to neurology and its international development infrastructure make it well positioned to advance sevasemten for patients living with Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophies.
Industry analysts view the acquisition as one of the most significant recent deals in the rare disease sector. If clinical studies continue to produce positive results, sevasemten could become a transformative treatment option for muscular dystrophy patients who currently face limited therapeutic choices.
The deal also underscores the increasing interest among large pharmaceutical companies in rare disease therapies, particularly those targeting neuromuscular disorders where unmet medical need remains high and treatment innovation is urgently required.