Sun Pharma to Acquire Checkpoint for $355M as Oncology Market Poised to Reach $518Bn by 2032

Sun Pharmaceuticals, India’s largest drugmaker by market value, has announced that it will acquire Checkpoint Therapeutics, a NASDAQ-listed biotechnology company, in a deal valued at $355 million. This strategic move, announced on March 10, 2025, marks an essential step for Sun Pharma as it aims to strengthen its presence in oncology and immunotherapy — two of the fastest-growing segments in the global pharmaceutical industry. Source: Economic Times/Reuters

With this acquisition, Sun Pharma will gain access to UNLOXCYT — an FDA-approved anti-PD-L1 treatment for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This deal will strengthen Sun Pharma’s cancer drug portfolio and offer a new treatment option for cSCC patients. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025.

Overview of the Global Oncology Drugs Market

Before diving into the deal details, let’s look at the global oncology market landscape. The global oncology drugs market was valued at USD 201.75 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 518.25 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 11.3% from 2024 to 2032. In 2023, North America led the market, holding a 45.92% share.

Oncology drugs include a wide range of treatments like targeted therapies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapies used to fight cancer. Factors such as the rising number of cancer cases, frequent new drug launches and approvals, and increased research and development by pharmaceutical companies drive the market’s growth.

About the Deal

Once the deal is completed, Sun Pharma will acquire all outstanding shares of Checkpoint. Shareholders will receive $4.10 in cash per share, without interest, along with a non-transferable contingent value right (CVR) that could give them up to an additional $0.70 per share in cash, based on milestone achievements.

Upon completion of the transaction, Checkpoint will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Pharma, giving the Indian drug giant full control over Checkpoint’s pipeline of cancer therapies. Source: cnbcTV18: 

What Does Checkpoint Therapeutics Do?

Founded in 2014, Checkpoint Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops and commercializes novel immunotherapies and targeted oncology drugs. Its lead product candidate is cosibelimab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody designed to treat various types of cancer.

The company holds a U.S. FDA license for UNLOXCYT (cosibelimab-ipdl) — an anti-PD-L1 therapy approved for treating adults with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC who are not eligible for curative surgery or radiation. Source: Economic Times

Sun Pharma’s Perspective on the Acquisition

According to Sun Pharma, adding UNLOXCYT, an FDA-approved anti-PD-L1 treatment for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), to its portfolio will help make this important therapy accessible to more patients worldwide. The company also noted that the acquisition would enhance its innovative offerings in the onco-dermatology space.

Checkpoint’s View on Partnering with Sun Pharma

The company believes that partnering with Sun Pharma to bring the first and only FDA-approved anti-PD-L1 treatment for advanced cSCC to market is a crucial next step in ensuring UNLOXCYT reaches patients in need of a unique immunotherapy option. They also believe that this transaction will maximize shareholder value while helping to speed up UNLOXCYT’s availability in the U.S., Europe, and other global markets.

Economic Times

Strategic Impact for Sun Pharma

Acquiring Checkpoint could help Sun Pharma diversify beyond its traditional strengths in generics and dermatology. It may also help the company gain a foothold in the U.S. specialty drugs market, particularly in oncology, where innovative therapies command higher prices and longer exclusivity periods.

Checkpoint’s expertise in developing immune checkpoint inhibitors also means Sun Pharma could leverage existing research and development (R&D) capabilities for future immunotherapy products. This would be important as the global oncology drug market is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, driven by increasing cancer incidence and demand for innovative treatments.

Industry Context

Sun Pharma’s move comes at a time when global pharmaceutical companies are actively pursuing acquisitions to strengthen their oncology pipelines. Immuno-oncology has become one of the most promising areas in cancer treatment, with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors generating billions in annual sales worldwide.

Entering this space through an innovative asset like cosibelimab reflects Sun Pharma’s attempt to position itself in next-generation cancer therapies.

Looking Ahead

After the acquisition, Sun Pharma will become an essential new player in immunotherapy, opening up new revenue streams in both the U.S. and global markets. Furthermore, the expertise and intellectual property gained from Checkpoint could pave the way for future oncology innovations under the Sun Pharma umbrella.

This acquisition also reflects a broader trend of Indian pharmaceutical companies moving beyond generics, focusing on innovative biologics and specialty drugs to tap into higher-margin markets.

Sun Pharma’s $355 million acquisition of Checkpoint Therapeutics signals a strategic shift toward cutting-edge oncology and immunotherapy treatments. With a growing need for affordable cancer therapies, this deal could reshape Sun Pharma’s role in the global pharmaceutical landscape. 

Related Posts

• 
  7 Easy Ways to Repay Your Home Loan Faster
• 
  Indian Corporations Eye Opportunities in Saudi’s ‘City of Earth – Diriyah’
• 
  NSE Penny Stocks Under 5 Rs To Know This Year
• 
  Section 80D: Everything You Need to Know About Health Insurance Deductions
• 
  Stocks Under 20 Rs To Know in 2025
• 
  Stocks Under 50 Rs – List of Top Shares Under Rs. 50
• 
  Union Bank Share Price: All You Need to Know
• 
  Voltas Share Price Analysis: All You Need to Know

Disclaimer Note: The securities quoted, if any, are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. This article is for education purposes only and shall not be considered as a recommendation or investment advice by Equentis – Research & Ranking. We will not be liable for any losses that may occur. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, membership of BASL & the certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

FAQs