Bausch Health to Acquire DURECT Corporation, Enhancing Liver Disease Solutions

Bausch Health Companies Inc. announced its plan to acquire DURECT Corporation, aiming to enrich its portfolio with a novel liver disease treatment. The acquisition centers on larsucosterol, a promising therapeutic molecule, designed to treat alcoholic hepatitis (AH), a severe form of liver disease with no existing FDA-approved treatment.

DURECT's larsucosterol has secured FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, showing potential in addressing urgent medical needs in hepatology. This acquisition aligns with Bausch Health’s strategy to innovate and improve health outcomes for patients suffering from liver disease globally.

Bausch Health plans a Phase 3 program to assess larsucosterol’s efficacy in severe AH patients. The transaction, valued at about $63 million, demonstrates a significant premium on DURECT's stock value. Expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, the acquisition underscores Bausch’s commitment to advancing liver disease treatment.