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ARWR > JNJ invests $75M @ $23/sh and pays $175M upfront to develop RNAi/HBV therapy...

J&J, Arrowhead in gene-silencing drug deal worth up to $3.7 billion

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc (ARWR.O) said on Thursday Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) would develop and market its gene-silencing Hepatitis B drug and pick up a minor stake in the company in a deal that could be potentially worth more than $3.7 billion (2.8 billion pounds).

Under the deal, J&J's Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit will obtain a worldwide licence for Arrowhead's ARO-HBV drug and an option to collaborate on up to three new RNA interference (RNAi)drugs, which use gene-silencing technology.

J&J will make a $75 million equity investment in Arrowhead at $23 per share, a premium of about 24 percent to the company's Wednesday close. Arrowhead will also get $175 million upfront, the company said in a statement.

Arrowhead is also eligible to receive up to $1.6 billion in milestone payments for the Hepatitis B licence agreement and about $1.9 billion in option and milestone payments for the collaboration agreement related to up to three additional targets.