In a deal worth approximately $230 million, Roche has signed an agreement to acquire Anadys Pharmaceuticals according to a Roche press release issued Oct. 17, 2011. Citing aims to bolster future treatment options for hepatitis C, the merger will see Roche fully acquiring Anadys at a share price of $3.70 in an all-cash transaction.

Anadys, a US-based company, develops oral, small-molecule therapeutics for the hepatitis C virus (HCV), the most advanced of which is a direct-acting antiviral compound (Setrobuvir, a non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitor) that is being evaluated in Phase II studies in combination with Roche’s pegylated interferon (Pegasys) and ribavirin (Copegus).

Also in development at Anadys is an oral, small-molecule inducer of innate immunity. Currently in Phase I trials, it may prove useful for treating HCV as well as other chronic infections and oncology, another strong focus for Roche.

“This acquisition augments our already strong HCV portfolio. Our aim is to offer physicians and hepatitis patients a powerful combination of therapies that bring us closer to a cure, even without the use of interferon. Anadys’ compounds provide additional modes of action that could lead to interferon-free treatment regimens without viral resistance,” said Jen-Jacques Garaud, global head of Roche Pharma research and early development.

Steve Worland, president and CEO of Anadys, said, “With Roche’s considerable capabilities and experience in HCV, we believe this acquisition provides the best chance of success for the new potential treatments to reach patients.”

Anadys added in its own press statement that Anadys’ directors and executive officers have agreed to tender their own shares in the offer, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011.