Pharmacosmos Acquires G1 Therapeutics: A $405 Million Strategic Move in Oncology Support

The Deal: 68% Premium and Late Q3 2024 Closing

In a major healthcare transaction announced on August 7, 2024, Pharmacosmos A/S has agreed to acquire G1 Therapeutics through a cash tender offer at $7.15 per share, valuing the deal at approximately $405 million. This price represents a substantial 68% premium to G1’s closing price on August 6 and a 133% premium to the 30-day volume weighted average price—a significant uplift that reflects strong strategic interest in G1’s assets.

The transaction structure involves an initial cash tender offer followed by a second-step merger to acquire any remaining shares at the same price. Both boards have unanimously approved, and the deal is expected to close in late Q3 2024, subject to customary regulatory approvals and antitrust clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Financing will come from Pharmacosmos’ existing cash reserves and corporate credit facilities.

COSELA: The Crown Jewel of This Acquisition

At the heart of this acquisition is COSELA (trilaciclib), a first-and-only FDA-approved therapy designed to reduce chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). The drug received FDA approval on February 12, 2021, and operates as a proactive multilineage myeloprotection agent—administered before chemotherapy regimens containing platinum/etoposide or topotecan.

For ES-SCLC patients undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression) is a serious complication that can limit treatment options. COSELA’s approval filled a critical clinical gap, and its positioning as the only product in this indication makes it strategically valuable. The estimated $405 million valuation underscores how much weight the healthcare sector places on this unique therapeutic asset.

Why Pharmacosmos? Hematology Expertise Meets Oncology Opportunity

Pharmacosmos brings considerable advantages to maximizing COSELA’s market penetration. Best known for developing innovative treatments for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, Pharmacosmos operates a robust global commercial infrastructure and deep expertise in hematology and supportive care products.

The synergy is clear: patients receiving chemotherapy often suffer from multiple blood-related complications, including both myelosuppression and anemia. By combining COSELA with Pharmacosmos’ existing FDA-approved product Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose)—used for iron deficiency anemia in specific patient populations—the combined entity can offer a more comprehensive supportive care platform to oncologists.

Additionally, Pharmacosmos’ global presence and hematology-focused sales team can expand COSELA’s reach beyond its current U.S. market (where it’s currently approved) into international markets, including China where regulatory approval already exists.

Market Implications and Patient Access

G1 Therapeutics was a commercial-stage oncology company focused on next-generation cancer therapies, but COSELA represented its flagship commercial product. Under Pharmacosmos’ ownership, the drug is expected to see accelerated uptake in the ES-SCLC patient population—a critical outcome for patients who currently have limited options for managing chemotherapy side effects.

The combined organization will leverage both teams’ strengths: G1’s established commercial, sales, and medical oncology platform combined with Pharmacosmos’ hematology expertise and supportive care infrastructure. This unified approach aims to optimize outreach to oncologists and broaden COSELA availability among appropriate patient populations.

About the Products

COSELA (trilaciclib) decreases the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression when given prior to platinum/etoposide or topotecan regimens in ES-SCLC patients. Key adverse reactions observed in trials included fatigue, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia, along with potential for injection-site reactions and pneumonitis. The product is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to trilaciclib.

Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose) treats iron deficiency anemia in adult patients who are intolerant to oral iron or have inadequate response, as well as those with non-hemodialysis dependent chronic kidney disease. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, though rare (0.3% in clinical trials), require careful monitoring during and after administration.

The Bottom Line

This acquisition demonstrates how strategic consolidation in healthcare can expand patient access to specialized therapies. By pairing COSELA with Pharmacosmos’ supportive care expertise and global reach, the deal positions the combined entity to become a more significant player in oncology support products—ultimately benefiting ES-SCLC patients who need myeloprotection during intensive chemotherapy.