News Article

German global life science and pharmaceutical company Bayer has divested its established oncology asset Stivarga to the German pharmaceutical firm Grünenthal for a total consideration of up to €375m.

The transaction, announced in September 2026, involves the transfer of rights for Stivarga, also known as regorafenib, which is a once daily oral multikinase inhibitor approved in more than 90 markets worldwide.

For investors and operators, the deal highlights a significant rotation in Bayer’s pharmaceutical portfolio as it moves to streamline operations and prioritise breakthrough innovations. The divestment allows Bayer to focus resources on newer growth products such as Nubeqa for prostate cancer, and Kerendia for kidney disease while managing broader capital requirements and litigation costs.

Stivarga has served as a critical last line therapy for over one million patients suffering from metastatic colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumours, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its clinical importance, the asset is approaching the end of its life cycle, with patent protection expected to expire in 2029 in the European Union and in 2030 in the United States.

For Grünenthal, the acquisition represents a strong strategic fit within its disciplined M&A framework of acquiring established medicines that generate immediate cash flow. This move follows a series of similar value oriented acquisitions by Grünenthal, including the purchase of Nebido from Bayer and Movantik from Valinor Pharma, as part of a strategy to leverage its commercial expertise to maximise the value of mature brands. The transaction is expected to reach completion by late 2026 or early 2027, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.