AstraZeneca has agreed to acquire Ardea Biosciences for US$32 per share, which represents a 54% premium over the company’s closing price prior to the announcement of the transaction and equates to a total cash value of US$1.26 B, including existing cash. The key asset included in the purchase is lesinurad, a selective URAT1 (urate transporter 1) inhibitor that is in Phase III development for the chronic management of hyperuricaemia in patients with gout. The deal represents another attempt by AstraZeneca to replenish its weak development pipeline.