Jazz Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: JAZZ) has agreed to acquire San Diego-based Actio Biosciences, Inc. for USD 820 million upfront plus up to USD 500 million in contingent consideration, adding ABS-1230, a clinical-stage oral KCNT1 ion channel inhibitor, to its rare epilepsy portfolio. The Ireland-headquartered Jazz said the deal deepens its position in severe genetic epilepsies, building on its existing cannabidiol (Epidiolex) franchise.
Under the deal, Actio shareholders will receive the USD 820 million upfront payment with up to USD 500 million in potential approval and sales milestones. Concurrent with closing, Actio will spin out a new privately-held entity retaining certain management, employees, and assets — including the Phase I oral TRPV4 inhibitor ABS-0871 for Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2C — funded by existing investors, with Jazz receiving a minority stake and certain related rights. The transaction, unanimously approved by both boards, is expected to close by Q4 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Jazz said it will fund the deal through cash on hand and existing financing facilities.
ABS-1230 is a potent, selective oral small molecule that inhibits gain-of-function mutations in the KCNT1 potassium channel, the genetic driver of KCNT1-related epilepsy — a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) affecting approximately 2,500 patients in the US, for which no FDA-approved therapy exists. In preclinical studies, the company reported, ABS-1230 inhibited KCNT1 across all evaluable pathogenic mutations. An early clinical proof-of-concept trial in children demonstrated meaningful seizure reductions, the companies said. The ongoing KYRON Phase Ib/2 trial, initiated in May 2026, is designed to serve as the registrational study supporting a new drug application in the US. ABS-1230 holds FDA Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease, and Orphan Drug designations and has been accepted into the FDA's Rare Disease Evidence Principles (RDEP) program, under which effectiveness in qualifying ultra-rare genetic diseases may potentially be established through one adequate and well-controlled study together with robust confirmatory evidence.