CSL could spend up to $2.2b on a drug deal with a Swiss biotech
The Australian Financial Review reported that CSL could spend up to $2.2 billion on a deal with Swiss biotech start-up Alentis Therapeutics, and ABC's market blog noted the healthcare gain. Reuters-sourced reports put the value at up to US$1.6 billion, including a US$355 million upfront payment and up to US$1.2 billion in sales milestones. The drug, lixudebart, is in a Phase 2 trial for a rare autoimmune kidney disease. Profits would be split 55 per cent to CSL and 45 per cent to Alentis. CSL has been under investor pressure after plans to cut jobs and a delay to the spin-off of its Seqirus vaccine business.
CSL is one of Australia's biggest listed companies and its shares are held by most super funds. A large deal signals where it is looking for growth.
If you hold CSL directly or through super, the shares rose on the news in a flat market.
Upfront money is the part that is certain. Most of the headline figure depends on a drug that has yet to finish Phase 2.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 1 · Morning · MON., OCT. 5, 2026