• 02 Jun 2025
• Admin
• News Article

Sun Pharma Completes its Acquisition of Checkpoint Therapeutics

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NSE: SUNPHARMA, BSE: 524715), along with its subsidiaries and/or associate companies (“Sun Pharma”), announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. (“Checkpoint”), a targeted oncology and immunotherapy company.

The acquisition marks a strategic milestone in expanding Sun Pharma’s innovative therapies portfolio. As part of the deal, Sun Pharma acquires UNLOXCYTTM (cosibelimab-ipdl), the first and only FDA-approved anti-PD-L1 treatment for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

Leadership Comments on the Acquisition

“This acquisition exemplifies Sun Pharma’s commitment to supporting patients and growing its innovative therapies business. By adding UNLOXCYTTM, we will be able to leverage our leadership in the onco-derm space to help patients access an important treatment option while growing our product portfolio.”

• Dilip Shanghvi, Chairman & Managing Director of Sun Pharma.

Financial Terms

Sun Pharma acquired all outstanding shares of Checkpoint at $4.10 per share in cash, without interest. Each share also includes one non-tradable contingent value right (CVR), allowing shareholders to receive up to an additional $0.70 per share in cash if specified milestones are achieved.

About Sun Pharmaceutical Industries

Sun Pharma is the world’s leading specialty generics company with a presence across specialty, generics, and consumer healthcare. The company is the largest pharmaceutical company in India and a top generic player in the U.S. and global emerging markets. With innovative products in dermatology, ophthalmology, and onco-dermatology, Sun Pharma’s specialty portfolio accounts for over 18% of total sales.

Sun Pharma operates across six continents and serves physicians and patients in more than 100 countries, supported by a multicultural workforce from over 50 nations.

About Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC)

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common form of skin cancer in the United States, with approximately 1.8 million new cases each year. While most cSCC cases are localized and treatable through surgery, around 40,000 cases become advanced annually, and an estimated 15,000 people die from the disease in the U.S.

cSCC often causes significant functional and cosmetic issues, especially when tumors affect the head, neck, or vital organs.

UNLOXCYTTM (cosibelimab-ipdl): Indication and Safety

Indication

UNLOXCYTTM is approved for the treatment of adults with metastatic or locally advanced cSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.

Important Safety Information

UNLOXCYTTM, a PD-L1–blocking antibody, can cause immune-mediated adverse reactions that may be severe or fatal. These can affect any organ system and may occur during or after treatment. Clinical monitoring is essential throughout treatment.

Key Immune-Mediated Risks

• Pneumonitis: Observed in 1% of patients; more common in those with prior thoracic radiation.
• Colitis: May present with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and GI bleeding; occurred in 0.4%.
• Hepatitis: Requires liver monitoring.
• Endocrinopathies: Includes adrenal insufficiency (0.9%), hypophysitis, and thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism 10%, hyperthyroidism 5%).
• Type 1 Diabetes: May present with diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Nephritis: Risk of renal dysfunction.
• Dermatologic Reactions: Includes rash, dermatitis, and rare but serious conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and TEN (7% incidence overall).

Other Notable Adverse Events

• Infusion-Related Reactions: Occurred in 11% of patients.
• Complications in HSCT: Includes GVHD and transplant-related toxicities.
• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: May cause fetal harm; contraception is advised during and 4 months post-treatment.
• Common Reactions (≥10%): Fatigue, rash, diarrhea, hypothyroidism, nausea, constipation, pruritus, edema, infection, UTI, musculoskeletal pain, and headache.

Patients receiving UNLOXCYTTM should be monitored routinely, with appropriate specialist consultation and management in case of suspected immune-mediated toxicity. Systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may be required.