Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI) has agreed to acquire Arthrosi Therapeutics Inc., a late-stage biotechnology company developing a highly potent and selective next generation URAT1 inhibitor to reduce serum urate (sUA) levels, flares, and dissolve tophi in gout and tophaceous gout patients, for up to $1.5 billion in total transaction value, including an upfront payment at closing of $950 million, subject to customary adjustments, and contingent consideration of up to $550 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026.

The acquisition strengthens Sobi’s gout franchise by adding pozdeutinurad (AR882), an investigational next-generation, once-daily oral URAT1 inhibitor currently being evaluated in two fully recruited global Phase 3 clinical studies for the potential management of progressive and tophaceous gout and expected to read out in 2026.

“The acquisition of Arthrosi allows us to expand our gout pipeline with a highly differentiated new asset,” said Guido Oelkers, President and CEO of Sobi. “Pozdeutinurad has the potential to become the therapy of choice for patients who have progressive gout with persistent and unresolved symptoms despite first-line therapy. The product has the potential to materially accelerate our growth until the mid 2030s, and beyond. We welcome all members of the talented Arthrosi team and are looking forward to working closely together to be able to offer this therapy to patients as soon as possible.”

Litain Yeh, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Arthrosi Therapeutics, added, “We are thrilled to join forces with Sobi and look forward to working together to ensure a seamless transition as they advance pozdeutinurad towards pivotal data and potential regulatory filings. We believe that Sobi’s global expertise in commercialization will accelerate our shared mission to deliver pozdeutinurad’s potentially transformative benefits for individuals living with gout.”

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