Consistent with its strategy of strengthening its pipeline beyond multiple sclerosis, Biogen Idec has agreed to acquire Stromedix, a clinical-stage biotech focused on fibrosis and organ failure, in a deal worth up to US$562.5 M. The key driver of the deal is Stromedix’s lead drug candidate STX-100, a monoclonal antibody that has been granted Orphan Drug Status by the US FDA for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic allograft dysfunction and which is entering Phase II development for IPF. Interestingly, Biogen Idec originally developed the drug.