Innoviva, Inc. announced that the company has entered into an agreement to sell its 15% economic stake in Theravance Respiratory Company LLC (“TRC”), which receives royalties stemming from sales of TRELEGY ELLIPTA, to Royalty Pharma plc (Nasdaq: RPRX) for an upfront cash payment of approximately $282 million and a potential $50 million contingent sales-based milestone payment. Under the terms of the agreement, TRC also transferred to Innoviva all of TRC’s ownership interests and investments in InCarda Therapeutics Inc., ImaginAb, Inc., Gate Neurosciences, Inc. and Nanolive SA. Innoviva retained its royalty rights with respect to ANORO ELLIPTA and RELVAR/BREO ELLIPTA. The sale is expected to close in July 2022.
Theravance Biopharma, Inc. (“Theravance Biopharma”) has entered into a concurrent transaction to sell its 85% economic interest in TRC to Royalty Pharma. As a part of the transaction, Innoviva, Theravance Biopharma and GSK signed customary release of claims relating to conduct prior to the closing, including with respect to prior disputes regarding TRC’s investment activity.
“We are very pleased to have entered into this agreement with Royalty Pharma, a market leader in healthcare royalty acquisitions,” said Pavel Raifeld, Chief Executive Officer of Innoviva. Mr. Raifeld added, “This transaction allows us to capture an attractive valuation for our share of TRELEGY ELLIPTA economics, enhances our cash position at a time of meaningful market dislocations, and demonstrates our continued commitment to leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to maximize shareholder value. We look forward to continuing our long-standing collaboration with GSK for RELVAR/BREO ELLIPTA and ANORO ELLIPTA.”
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal advisor and Moelis & Company LLC served as financial advisor to Innoviva. Torreya Partners LLC served as the financial advisor to TRC in connection with its investments in InCarda Therapeutics, ImaginAb, Gate Neurosciences and Nanolive.