Nestlé Health Science to acquire Aimmune Therapeutics for $2.6 billion

Nestlé Health Science has announced that it is to acquire Aimmune Therapeutics for a total value of $2.6 billion. The acquisition is an extension of Nestlé Health Science’s food allergy portfolio, creating a broader spectrum of solutions for children living with food allergies.

“This transaction brings together Nestlé’s nutritional science leadership with one of the most innovative companies in food allergy treatment,” said Nestlé Health Science Chief Executive Officer Greg Behar. “Together we will be able to offer a wide range of solutions that can transform the lives of people suffering from food allergies around the world.”

“The agreement with Nestlé Health Science recognises the value created by years of commitment and dedication to our mission by the team at Aimmune. Delivering Palforzia, the world’s first treatment for food allergy, has been a game-changing proposition in the biopharmaceutical industry and is transformative for the lives of millions of people living with potentially life-threatening peanut allergy,” said Dr Jayson Dallas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aimmune. “This acquisition ensures a level of support for Palforzia and our pipeline that will further enhance their potential for patients around the world living with food allergies.”

Aimmune’s Palforzia is the first and only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment to help reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reaction to peanuts, including anaphylaxis, in children aged four through 17. 

Nestlé Health Science currently has a total investment in Aimmune of $473 million, an approximate 25.6 percent equity ownership stake. Around 19.6 percent is voting common stock and the balance non-voting preferred stock. Nestlé Health Science made its initial investment of $145 million in Aimmune in November 2016, followed by further investments of $30 million in February 2018, $98 million in November 2018 and $200 million in January 2020.