• Acquisition centers on potravitug, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)
• Total potential consideration in excess of €700 million, including €200 million at closing
• Ipsen plans to initiate the pivotal Phase II/III SAFE KIDNEY III trial later this year

The Challenge of Post-Transplant Infection

BK polyomavirus reactivation is one of the most common and consequential complications in kidney transplantation. Around 90% of recipients are BKPyV-seropositive, and roughly 30% show high viral levels within the first year after transplant. No approved targeted therapy exists today. Clinicians can only respond by reducing immunosuppression, a trade-off that lowers viral load at the cost of increasing the risk of graft rejection and, ultimately, graft loss.

Strategic Acquisition by Ipsen

Global biopharma company Ipsen and Memo Therapeutics have entered into a definitive share purchase agreement under which Ipsen will acquire all outstanding shares of the company. The deal is centered on potravitug, Memo’s Phase II clinical-stage antibody, which blocks BK virus attachment and cellular entry. It is a massive step toward bringing Memo’s breakthrough BKV antibody to market, ultimately benefiting millions of patients globally.

Erik van den Berg, CEO of Memo Therapeutics AG commented, “Today marks a pivotal moment in the Memo Therapeutics AG journey and validates years of scientific innovation. We are thrilled to have attracted Ipsen to take this important medicine forward. With its deep expertise in developing and commercializing medicines for rare diseases, Ipsen can ensure that this breakthrough asset reaches its full potential to deliver a life changing difference for thousands of kidney transplant patients with BKPyV infection.”

Swiss science, backed by European capital, is being acquired by a European leader

Verve Ventures has been among the first investors in Memo and kept doubling down, round after round, since its Series B financing in 2020. Memo is also the largest position in our flagship fund. Ipsen’s global rare-disease infrastructure is now positioned to carry the asset through late-stage development and, ultimately, to patients.

Health & Bio Investment Topic

This acquisition aligns with Verve Ventures’ frontires in Health & Bio focus. We invest in companies unlocking novel biology and accelerating drug development at the intersection of biology and engineering. Memo’s antibody discovery engine and its translation into a first-in-class clinical asset is a direct expression of that thesis.

Clinical Validation and Regulatory Milestones

Potravitug’s development has been marked by a steady accumulation of clinical and regulatory validation ahead of this exit.

• Phase II SAFE KIDNEY II trial: 24.4% of treated patients reached undetectable BKPyV-DNAemia by week 38, versus 13.0% on placebo
• FDA Fast Track Designation: granted in May 2023
• EU Orphan Drug Designation: granted in December 2025

About Memo Therapeutics

Memo Therapeutics AG is a late-stage biotech company translating unique human immune responses into best-in-class antibodies.

• Founding Roots: based in Schlieren/Zurich, built on the proprietary DROPZYLLA® antibody repertoire copying platform
• Key Products: potravitug, a first-in-class antibody against BK polyomavirus in kidney transplant recipients
• Impact Metrics: addresses a complication affecting up to 30% of the more than 100,000 kidney transplants performed worldwide each year

Future Outlook

The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2026, after which Ipsen plans to initiate the pivotal Phase II/III SAFE KIDNEY III trial later this year. Memo’s assets unrelated to potravitug, including its DROPZYLLA® platform and CSL collaboration, will be carved out into a new company, Memorises Bio, retained by Memo’s existing shareholders. The deal marks a validating exit for Swiss antibody discovery and a step closer to a targeted treatment for a disease with no approved therapy today.