Scios merger talks
Executive Summary
Scios is in discussions with a "number of life sciences companies concerning potential strategic transactions," the company said in response to reports it is in merger talks with Johnson & Johnson. The transactions under discussion include a merger deal and partnership for Scios' rheumatoid arthritis oral p38 MAP kinase inhibitor program (Phase II SCIO-469 and Phase I SCIO-323). Scios has been previously touted as an acquisition target, given the success of the congestive heart failure drug Natrecor. J&J's recent acquisitions include Alza (2001) and Centocor (1999)...