Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc, the Dublin-headquartered biopharma with a major U.S. hub in Philadelphia, announced on September 15, 2026 that it completed its acquisition of Actio Biosciences, Inc. for an $820 million upfront payment, gaining Actio’s lead asset, ABS-1230. President and CEO Renee Gala said: “ABS-1230 holds the promise of being a transformative, first-in-class therapy for individuals living with KCNT1-related epilepsy. By completing the acquisition of Actio Biosciences, we are combining their cutting-edge precision biology with Jazz’s proven global development capabilities. We look forward to partnering with advocates, clinicians, and regulators to move with urgency, rapidly advance this vital treatment, and further diversify our rare disease pipeline.”
A Precision Epilepsy Drug With Early Clinical Signal
ABS-1230 is a clinical-stage, oral small molecule designed as a potent and selective inhibitor of KCNT1, a gene target implicated in KCNT1-related epilepsy; in preclinical studies, the compound inhibited its target across all evaluable pathogenic mutations. Early clinical proof-of-concept data showed meaningful seizure reductions, and the FDA has already granted ABS-1230 Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease, and Orphan Drug designations. The acquisition adds a rare, genetically defined epilepsy program to a portfolio Jazz already built around epilepsies, cancers, and sleep disorders.
The Programs Outside the Deal
The deal, structured as a merger of Jazz subsidiary Knight Acquisition Corp. into Actio, covers ABS-1230 specifically; Actio’s other, non-ABS-1230 programs were spun out into a newly formed independent private company funded by Actio’s existing investors, in which Jazz retains a minority stake and related rights rather than full ownership. The release does not disclose any additional contingent payments or milestones tied to the $820 million upfront.
About Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. The company is dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with rare disease, often with limited or no therapeutic options, with a diverse portfolio of medicines including leading therapies addressing epilepsies, cancers, and sleep disorders. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and employees in multiple countries committed to serving patients worldwide.
