Amarin Corp Plc (AMRN)

[Mogwai]

I didn't realize Merck paid that much. But the Idenix and Inhibitex buyouts were really the result of an "arms race" for Hep C drugs. There was a fast and furious buyout spree the last few years for Hep C drugs (Pharmasset, Idenix, Inhibitex, Alios, Anadys). No BP wanted to be left out. So I would guess that this Hep C bubble resulted in some pretty inflated buyout prices due to the competition. BMY's buyout was a total flop; not sure on the others. I mean Gilead paid $11b for a PHASE II drug!

I wouldn't consider these Hep C buyouts anywhere near the "norm" given the unique situation they were all bought under.