FOSTER CITY, Calif. & COPENHAGEN, Denmark—Gilead Sciences Inc. has established a definitive agreement with privately held EpiTherapeutics ApS by which it has acquired EpiTherapeutics for $65 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. EpiTherapeutics focuses on the development of novel cancer drugs based on epigenetics, and brings with it a library of first-in-class, selective small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic regulation of gene transcription, particularly histone demethylases.

 

“Epigenetics is a promising area of research and the EpiTherapeutics team is a recognized scientific leader in this field,” Dr. Norbert Bischofberger, Gilead’s executive vice president of research and development and chief scientific officer, said in a statement. “This therapeutic class represents a strategic fit with our existing research portfolio, including the potential for novel combination approaches. We look forward to working with colleagues from EpiTherapeutics to advance these programs toward clinical development in diseases with significant unmet medical need.”