Organon Expands Dermatology Portfolio with Acquisition of Dermavant and Its VTAMA Cream
Organon, a global healthcare company dedicated to improving the health of women throughout their lives, has announced the acquisition of Dermavant Sciences Ltd., a dermatology-focused subsidiary of Roivant Sciences. This acquisition will broaden Organon’s dermatology capabilities in the U.S. and beyond. The move aligns with Organon’s long-term strategy of expanding into therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs, particularly those affecting women. With the acquisition, Organon gains access to Dermavant’s lead product, VTAMA® (tapinarof) cream, a novel treatment for plaque psoriasis and potentially atopic dermatitis, pending FDA approval.
Dermavant’s flagship product, VTAMA® cream, is a non-steroidal topical therapy approved by the U.S. FDA in May 2022 for treating mild, moderate, and severe plaque psoriasis in adults. The product offers a steroid-free alternative that can be applied once daily, with no restrictions on body surface area or duration of use, making it a convenient option for patients. It has no safety label warnings or precautions, further enhancing its appeal. Dermavant is also awaiting FDA approval for VTAMA to be used in treating atopic dermatitis in both adults and children, a decision expected by the end of 2024. Psoriasis affects over 8 million Americans and 125 million people globally, while atopic dermatitis impacts millions more, disproportionately affecting women. The acquisition of Dermavant provides Organon with a product that addresses these widespread conditions, allowing the company to enter a highly competitive, yet growing, dermatology market.
Organon will acquire Dermavant for up to $1.2 billion. The financial structure includes an upfront payment of $175 million, a $75 million milestone payment contingent on FDA approval of VTAMA for atopic dermatitis, and up to $950 million in commercial milestone payments based on VTAMA’s performance. Additionally, Organon will pay tiered royalties on net sales. Dermavant retains global rights to VTAMA, excluding China and Japan, where rights have been outlicensed. The acquisition is expected to close in Q4 2024, subject to regulatory approvals. Organon will also assume Dermavant’s liabilities, valued at approximately $286 million. Financial projections suggest the deal will be mildly dilutive to Organon’s adjusted EBITDA in 2025 but accretive by 2026, with the company’s net leverage expected to exceed 4.0x post-transaction. Organon anticipates that its expanded dermatology portfolio will generate long-term growth, driven by VTAMA’s increasing market penetration. The company also expects enhanced market access and commercialization capabilities, which will position VTAMA for global success.
The transaction underscores Organon’s commitment to disciplined capital allocation and strategic growth, even as it continues to manage its leverage ratio and focus on long-term financial health.
