Takeda’s oncology portfolio gains momentum with the acquisition of Ariad for US$5.2 B, thus adding the latter’s marketed chronic myeloid leukaemia asset, Iclusig (ponatinib), to its portfolio as well as brigatinib, an anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor under development for non-small cell lung cancer. The deal is valued at US$24 per Ariad share representing a substantial premium driven by the blockbuster potential of the lead pipeline asset, brigatinib.