Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc and Chimerix, Inc.
Type: Acquisition agreement
Buyer: Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
Seller: Chimerix, Inc.
Focus: Dordaviprone
Deal value: $935 million
Financial impact: Adding dordaviprone to Jazz’s pipeline strengthens its oncology portfolio with a first-in-class treatment for H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma, a rare cancer with no approved therapies, and offers strong commercial potential with projected peak sales over $500 million.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals has completed its $935 million acquisition of Chimerix, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The deal adds dordaviprone, a first-in-class small molecule for H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma, to Jazz’s late-stage oncology pipeline. Currently under FDA Priority Review with a decision expected by August 18, 2025, dordaviprone may also qualify for a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher. The drug is being evaluated in a Phase 3 trial for first-line use, further strengthening Jazz’s commitment to rare diseases with high unmet need.
Dordaviprone
Dordaviprone is an orally administered, first-in-class small molecule developed by Chimerix for treating p53-deficient cancers, including solid tumors and those with renal impairment. Belonging to the imipridone class, it features a unique three-ring structure and selectively targets dopamine receptors DRD2 and DRD3, enabling it to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger cancer cell death through established apoptotic pathways. Also known as TIC10, it induces TRAIL production via dual mechanisms involving Akt and ERK inhibition, promoting apoptosis through Foxo3a activation. Dordaviprone is p53-independent and selectively targets cancer cells by hyperactivating ClpP, sparing normal cells. It’s under FDA review for glioma and is being clinically studied in various cancers, including glioblastoma, endometrial, neuroendocrine tumors, and blood cancers, with preclinical research ongoing in multiple other tumor types.
Five years’ market revenue of Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
Jazz Pharmaceuticals saw steady revenue growth through 2024 but experienced a decline in 2025. This drop was driven by increased competition in the second-line small cell lung cancer (SCLC) market, changes in treatment protocols affecting Rylaze/Enrylaze sales, and an 11% decline in oncology revenue due to shipping timing and market pressure. While Jazz’s neuroscience portfolio continues to grow, challenges in oncology and potential tariffs on imported drugs have added to the revenue pressure.
Five years market revenue of Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (2020-2024)
Fig 21: Market revenue of Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
Market Impact of This Partnership
The addition of dordaviprone to Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ oncology R&D pipeline marks a significant step in strengthening and diversifying the company’s portfolio. Targeting H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma—a rare and aggressive brain cancer with no FDA-approved therapies and limited treatment options—dordaviprone addresses a critical unmet medical need. Beyond its clinical promise, the drug offers strong commercial potential, with Chimerix projecting over $500 million in global peak sales when it was previously known as ONC201. As the first of several potential indications, dordaviprone could provide durable near-term revenue and long-term value for Jazz’s oncology business.