Swiss pharmaceutical group Ferring has signed an agreement to acquire US fertility biotech Gameto in a deal potentially worth $1.38bn, marking one of the largest women’s health transactions announced this year.
The proposed acquisition brings together Ferring’s established reproductive medicine business and Gameto’s cell-engineering platform, which aims to develop new approaches to fertility treatment and ovarian health.
Gameto is best known for Fertilo, an experimental technology that uses stem cell-derived ovarian support cells to help immature eggs mature outside the body.
Conventional IVF typically involves around two weeks of hormone injections to stimulate egg development before retrieval. Fertilo aims to reduce the need for ovarian stimulation by allowing immature eggs to complete their development in the laboratory. This could make IVF and egg freezing shorter and less physically demanding for women, particularly those who cannot or would prefer not to undergo intensive hormone treatment.
“This is a defining moment for Gameto and for our mission to transform reproductive health,” said Dr. Dina Turner, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Gameto.
“By combining our pioneering cell-engineering platform with Ferring’s deep expertise and global reach in reproductive medicine, we have an extraordinary opportunity to accelerate innovation, expand access and bring more modern fertility treatment options to women and families around the world.”
The technology is currently undergoing Phase 3 trials in the US and has not received FDA approval.
A major deal in reproductive medicine
The proposed transaction is valued at up to $1.3825bn, with the final consideration dependent on development, regulatory and commercial milestones. The companies have not disclosed the upfront payment.
Ferring, headquartered in Switzerland, has been active in reproductive medicine for more than 50 years and markets medicines in over 100 countries.
Gameto, meanwhile, is developing cell-engineering technologies targeting infertility, ovarian disease and menopause.
The proposed acquisition could give Gameto access to Ferring’s global infrastructure as it works to bring its technology towards commercialisation.
“By combining Gameto’s scientific innovation with our expertise and global reproductive-medicine platform, we see an opportunity to advance new approaches in fertility care and reach more patients worldwide,” said Jean‑Frédéric Paulsen, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals.
Completion remains subject to closing conditions, and both companies will continue operating independently until the transaction is finalised.