10:52 AM EDT, 09/11/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Bausch Health Companies ( BHC ) Thursday said it completed its acquisition of Durect for US$1.75 per share in cash, for a total upfront payment of US$63 million.

The deal also includes up to US$350 million in potential net sales milestone payments if certain targets are met.

The acquisition adds Durect's lead asset, larsucosterol, designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a breakthrough therapy for alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH), to Bausch Health's ( BHC ) hepatology pipeline. A Phase 3 program is planned to evaluate the treatment's safety and efficacy in patients with severe AH.

"We are pleased to complete the acquisition of Durect, which brings larsucosterol into our hepatology pipeline as a promising advanced-stage therapy," said Thomas Appio, chief executive officer.

"There is an urgent need for treatments for alcohol-associated hepatitis, a disease that leads to significant hospitalizations each year. This addition supports our ongoing efforts to develop innovative therapies for liver diseases with limited or no current treatment options. The acquisition aligns with our strategic focus on purposeful R&D and advancing solutions in areas of unmet medical need."

Bausch Health ( BHC ) was last seen up $0.17 at $10.08 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Price: 10.08, Change: +0.17, Percent Change: +1.72