Astellas' biologics cornerstone

In March, Astellas Pharma Inc. took its first steps toward joining an increasingly long line of pharmaceutical companies that are bringing biologics capabilities in-house via two deals that gave it access to antibody generation technologies. Last week, Astellas brought in the remaining pieces of its biologics value chain by acquiring Agensys Inc. for $387 million in cash and up to $150 million in milestones.

According to Astellas, Agensys will be the cornerstone of its biologics engine and help expand the company's footprint in the cancer space. The deal also will fit with Astellas' urology franchise, which is based on Vesicare solifenacin succinate, a muscarinic receptor antagonist marketed to treat overactive bladder...