John Forrest

Cooley advised BioNTech SE, a global biotechnology company pioneering next-generation immunotherapies, on its global co-development and co-commercialization collaboration agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb for BioNTech’s antibody candidate BNT327. The transaction includes a $1.5 billion upfront payment and $2 billion total in noncontingent anniversary payments through 2028.

Cooley advised Takara Bio, a global biotechnology and life sciences company headquartered in Shiga, Japan, on its acquisition of Curio Bioscience, a pioneering company in the field of spatial genomics.

Cooley advised Poseida Therapeutics, a clinical-stage allogeneic cell therapy and genetic medicines company advancing differentiated nonviral treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and rare diseases, on its merger agreement to be acquired by Roche at a price of $9 per share in cash at closing, plus a non-tradable contingent value right to receive up to an aggregate of $4 per share in cash, payable upon achievement of specified milestones. The price payable at closing represents a total equity value of up to $1.5 billion and a premium of approximately 215% to Poseida’s closing share price on November 25, 2024. Cooley previously represented Poseida in its initial public offering, equity and debt transactions, and collaboration agreements, including its collaboration agreement with Roche.

Cooley advised Aclaris Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ACRS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel drug candidates for immuno-inflammatory diseases, on its exclusive license agreement with Biosion and $80 million private placement.

Cooley advised Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company aiming to change lives by changing the course of blood cancer, on its up to $375 million in synthetic royalty and debt financings with Royalty Pharma and Pharmakon Advisors.