AstraZeneca announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ZS Pharma (NASDAQ: ZSPH), a biopharmaceutical company based in San Mateo, California. ZS Pharma uses its proprietary ion­-trap technology to develop novel treatments for hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels), a serious condition of elevated potassium in the bloodstream, typically associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic heart failure (CHF).

The transaction will give AstraZeneca access to the potassium-binding compound ZS-9, a potential best-in-class treatment for hyperkalaemia, a condition associated with increased mortality in CKD and CHF. ZS-9 is under regulatory review by the US Food and Drug Administration with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date of 26 May 2016. A submission for European Marketing Application Authorisation is planned by the end of 2015. Current estimates for global peak year sales of ZS-9 exceed $1 billion.

The acquisition continues AstraZeneca’s track record of targeted business development with a focus on three main therapy areas. ZS Pharma represents a strong fit with AstraZeneca’s pipeline and portfolio in Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease, one of the company’s three main therapy areas. AstraZeneca’s strategy focuses on reducing morbidity, mortality and organ damage by addressing multiple risk factors across cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. ZS-9 complements the company’s increasing focus on CKD and CHF, including the investigational medicine roxadustat, which is currently in Phase III development for patients with anaemia associated with CKD, as well as its leading diabetes portfolio.

Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer of AstraZeneca, said: "Hyperkalaemia can be a life-threatening condition for patients with chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure, however the risk is underappreciated and prevalence is increasing. This acquisition complements our strategic focus on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease by adding a potential best-in-class treatment to our portfolio of innovative medicines. We look forward to welcoming the ZS Pharma team to AstraZeneca."

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of ZS Pharma for $90 per share in an all-cash transaction, or approximately $2.7 billion in aggregate transaction value.

Upon completion, ZS Pharma, which has around 200 employees across three sites in California, Texas and Colorado, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca. The transaction does not impact AstraZeneca's financial guidance for 2015. It is expected to generate Product Sales from 2016, with minimal earnings dilution over 2016 and 2017, becoming accretive to AstraZeneca's core earnings from 2018.

Robert Alexander, Chief Executive Officer, ZS Pharma, said: "This agreement will allow us to maximize the potential of ZS-9, drawing on AstraZeneca’s long-standing expertise in developing and commercializing medicines for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We look forward to joining AstraZeneca and to working together to bring this important treatment for hyperkalaemia to the global market, helping to meet an important unmet medical need for patients."

Terms of the acquisition
The acquisition is structured as an all-cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of ZS Pharma common stock at a price of $90 per share, followed by a merger in which each remaining untendered share of ZS Pharma common stock would be converted into the same $90 cash per share consideration as in the tender offer.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, AstraZeneca will commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of ZS Pharma's common stock. The Board of Directors of ZS Pharma has unanimously approved the terms of the agreement.

Subject to customary conditions, including the tender of a majority of the outstanding ZS Pharma shares and the expiration or earlier termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, the transaction is expected to close by the end of 2015. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition.

About Hyperkalaemia
Hyperkalaemia, or high potassium levels, occurs in 23-47% of patients with chronic kidney disease and/or chronic heart failure, and can lead to cardiac arrest and death (mortality up to 20%). Treatment with common heart medicines can also be responsible for increases in hyperkalaemia. Current therapeutic options are limited, leaving high unmet medical need, in particular for treatments with rapid onset of action and no significant drug-drug interaction risk.

About ZS-9
ZS-9 is a proprietary zirconium silicate compound and is manufactured as odourless, tasteless crystals. It acts as a highly selective potassium trap, is administered orally in 5 to 15g doses mixed with three tablespoons of water, is not systemically absorbed and is excreted in faeces. Clinical studies indicate that ZS-9 is stable at room temperature and has a rapid onset of action. Current estimates for global peak year sales of ZS-9 exceed $1 billion. Pending and granted patents, some under license, have expiries out to 2032 and beyond.

About ZS Pharma
ZS Pharma, founded in 2008, is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company dedicated to challenging the status quo in disease states where therapeutic options have been limited. The company has been focused on using its proprietary ion-trap technology to develop new treatments of kidney and liver diseases that are focused on addressing unmet needs in the medical community.

About AstraZeneca in Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease (CVMD)
Cardiovascular, metabolic disease and chronic kidney disease are key areas of focus for AstraZeneca as part of the company’s strategy for achieving scientific leadership and returning to growth. Our patient-led strategy is focused on addressing the multiple risk factors facing CVMD and CKD patients at different stages of their disease, with the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality through life changing medicines. One of the innovative medicines currently in Phase III development is roxadustat as a potential therapy for anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease, in patients on dialysis and those who are not on dialysis. The global development programme is being conducted by FibroGen in collaboration with AstraZeneca and Astellas.

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.