US biopharmaceutical firm Ardelyx said it is aware of reports regarding Zydus Lifesciences but does not comment on business development activities, in response to queries from CNBC-TV18.
The clarification follows reports that Zydus Lifesciences is in talks to acquire Ardelyx, people familiar with the matter told CNBC-TV18 on Tuesday, January 20. Sources said Zydus Lifesciences may acquire a controlling stake in the US-based company or buy select molecules as part of the proposed transaction.
Ardelyx currently has a market capitalisation of around $1.6 billion. To part-fund the potential acquisition, Zydus Lifesciences is exploring the option of raising capital through a qualified institutional placement (QIP), sources added.
Zydus Lifesciences’ board had earlier approved raising up to ₹5,000 crore via a QIP on November 6, 2025. During its post-Q2 earnings call, the company said the primary objective of the fund raise was to deleverage its balance sheet, while also evaluating opportunities in its US specialty business, particularly in gastroenterology.
The company had also highlighted potential opportunities in the central nervous system (CNS) and cardiology segments. Ardelyx currently has two commercial products approved in the US—IBSRELA (tenapanor) for adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, and XYPHOZAH (tenapanor) for adults with chronic kidney disease.
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