Ipsen to Buy Kartos Therapeutics for Up to $1.75 Billion

French biotech firm Ipsen has agreed to acquire Kartos Therapeutics in a deal valued at up to **$1.75 billion**, with an upfront payment of **$450 million**. The acquisition targets Kartos’ late-stage pipeline in hemato-oncology, including a potential **Jakafi (ruxolitinib) add-on therapy for myelofibrosis**, a rare blood cancer. The expanded pipeline strengthens Ipsen’s focus on hematology and oncology treatments, building on its existing portfolio of oncology drugs.

Coverage highlights the strategic move to bolster Ipsen’s late-stage development pipeline, particularly in blood cancers. Reuters and the *Wall Street Journal* emphasize the financial scale of the deal, while Fierce Biotech and Endpoints News focus on the therapeutic potential of Kartos’ lead asset. GlobeNewswire frames the acquisition as an expansion of Ipsen’s hemato-oncology capabilities.

Watch for regulatory updates on Kartos’ lead drug candidate, particularly its combination therapy status with Jakafi. Ipsen’s stock performance and potential follow-on investments in Kartos’ pipeline may also draw attention. If the therapy gains approval, it could redefine treatment options for myelofibrosis patients.