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Arena Pharmaceuticals

Full company profile

uuid0003tw2

Namestring
Arena Pharmaceuticals
Legal namestring
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Websiteurl
arenapharm.com
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
1977
Descriptiontext

Arena Pharmaceuticals was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 1977 and headquartered in San Diego, California. The company specialized in developing novel small-molecule therapeutics targeting cardiovascular, central nervous system, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, with its strategic focus narrowing over time toward immunology and inflammation. Arena's lead pipeline asset was etrasimod, an investigational sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator designed as an S1P1/S1P5 dual receptor agonist for targeted immunomodulation, with clinical programs in inflammatory bowel disease and alopecia areata. The technology was pursued as a domain-specialized approach aimed at reducing systemic immunosuppression relative to traditional autoimmune therapies.

The company operated as a publicly traded entity on NASDAQ under the ticker ARNA and funded its development through capital markets rather than commercial product sales. Cumulative disclosed funding activity across 2003–2020 exceeded $1 billion across multiple rounds, with notable 2018 ($352.8M) and May 2020 ($316.3M) financings, plus a $56M raise in October 2020 led by Farallon Capital Management. Revenue mechanics were non-existent on a commercial basis because etrasimod and other programs remained investigational throughout Arena's independent existence; pricing was not publicly disclosed.

In 2021, Pfizer Inc. completed the acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals, absorbing Arena's pipeline—including etrasimod—into Pfizer's Inflammation & Immunology therapeutic area. Post-acquisition, Arena ceased to operate as an independent publicly traded company and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pfizer. The acquisition was framed within Pfizer's broader R&D pipeline expansion strategy alongside other transactions (e.g., Seagen, Biohaven).

Short descriptiontext

Arena Pharmaceuticals was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that developed etrasimod, an S1P receptor modulator for autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease. Acquired by Pfizer in 2021, its pipeline was integrated into Pfizer's Inflammation & Immunology portfolio.

Operating statusenum
Acquired
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
251–500
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
HQ citystring
San Diego
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Keyword5 values
autoimmune disease therapeutics, S1P receptor modulators, inflammatory bowel disease drugs, immunology drug development, small molecule therapeutics
Industry2 codes
1Immunology & Autoimmune Specialty Pharmaceuticals
CodeHLAIACABPrimaryYes
2Immunology & Inflammation Pharmaceuticals
CodeHLAIAAADPrimaryNo
NAICS code1 code
  • Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing325412
SIC code1 code
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations2834
Product category
Immunology & Inflammation Therapeutics
Cost components5 values
Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeHardware or Manufacturing
Hardware or Manufacturing
Core offering1 text field

Arena Pharmaceuticals was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that developed novel small-molecule therapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Its lead pipeline asset was etrasimod, an investigational S1P1/S1P5 dual receptor agonist designed to provide targeted immunomodulation for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, alopecia areata, and other immunological disorders. The company was acquired by Pfizer in 2021.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Product overview1 text field

Arena Pharmaceuticals was a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for immunological and inflammatory diseases. The company's key asset was etrasimod, a late-stage therapy candidate for conditions such as alopecia areata. Arena was acquired by Pfizer in 2021, integrating its pipeline into Pfizer's therapeutic portfolio.

Product and service1 record
1Etrasimod
CategoryImmunology & Inflammation Therapeutics
Description

Investigational small-molecule S1P receptor modulator (S1P1/S1P5 dual receptor agonist) being developed for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, alopecia areata, and other immunological conditions. Designed to provide targeted immunomodulation with the goal of reducing systemic immunosuppression compared to traditional therapies. Targeted at regulators, healthcare providers, and patients with high-unmet-need autoimmune conditions.

Scale indicator2 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership2 partners
1Pfizer
Strategic tierCoreTypeOthersAnnounced on2021-01-01
Description

Pfizer completed its acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals in 2021. The acquisition strengthened Pfizer's pipeline with Arena's lead asset etrasimod, an S1P receptor modulator for autoimmune diseases. Arena Pharmaceuticals operated as a separate clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines for immunology and inflammation before becoming part of Pfizer's portfolio.

2Pfizer
Strategic tierCoreTypeOthers
Description

Arena Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Pfizer as part of the company's strategy to expand its R&D pipeline and therapeutic areas. The acquisition brought etrasimod (an S1P receptor modulator) into Pfizer's portfolio, supporting their Oncology and Vaccines growth drivers alongside other acquisitions including Seagen and Biohaven.

Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight3 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Market position
Weaknesses4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat3 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Ideal customer profile1 record

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature1 record

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles8 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds8 records

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors3 records

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment1 record

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Arena Pharmaceuticals

Immunology & Inflammation Therapeuticsarenapharm.com

Arena Pharmaceuticals was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that developed etrasimod, an S1P receptor modulator for autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease. Acquired by Pfizer in 2021, its pipeline was integrated into Pfizer's Inflammation & Immunology portfolio.

What Arena Pharmaceuticals does

Arena Pharmaceuticals was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 1977 and headquartered in San Diego, California. The company specialized in developing novel small-molecule therapeutics targeting cardiovascular, central nervous system, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, with its strategic focus narrowing over time toward immunology and inflammation. Arena's lead pipeline asset was etrasimod, an investigational sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator designed as an S1P1/S1P5 dual receptor agonist for targeted immunomodulation, with clinical programs in inflammatory bowel disease and alopecia areata. The technology was pursued as a domain-specialized approach aimed at reducing systemic immunosuppression relative to traditional autoimmune therapies.

The company operated as a publicly traded entity on NASDAQ under the ticker ARNA and funded its development through capital markets rather than commercial product sales. Cumulative disclosed funding activity across 2003–2020 exceeded $1 billion across multiple rounds, with notable 2018 ($352.8M) and May 2020 ($316.3M) financings, plus a $56M raise in October 2020 led by Farallon Capital Management. Revenue mechanics were non-existent on a commercial basis because etrasimod and other programs remained investigational throughout Arena's independent existence; pricing was not publicly disclosed.

In 2021, Pfizer Inc. completed the acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals, absorbing Arena's pipeline—including etrasimod—into Pfizer's Inflammation & Immunology therapeutic area. Post-acquisition, Arena ceased to operate as an independent publicly traded company and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pfizer. The acquisition was framed within Pfizer's broader R&D pipeline expansion strategy alongside other transactions (e.g., Seagen, Biohaven).

Arena Pharmaceuticals firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Arena Pharmaceuticals
Legal name
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Website
https://arenapharm.com
Company type
Private
Founded year
1977
Operating status
Acquired
Headcount range
251–500 employees
Short description
Arena Pharmaceuticals was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that developed etrasimod, an S1P receptor modulator for autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease. Acquired by Pfizer in 2021, its pipeline was integrated into Pfizer's Inflammation & Immunology portfolio.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Arena Pharmaceuticals industry classification

Industry
Product category
Immunology & Inflammation Therapeutics
NAICS
Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)
SIC
Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
akta.pro primary industry
Immunology & Autoimmune Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAB)
akta.pro secondary industry
Immunology & Inflammation Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAD)

Keywords

  • Autoimmune disease therapeutics
  • S1P receptor modulators
  • Inflammatory bowel disease drugs
  • Immunology drug development
  • Small molecule therapeutics

Where Arena Pharmaceuticals is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
San Diego
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Markets served

Arena Pharmaceuticals business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Hardware or Manufacturing
Cost components
Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Arena Pharmaceuticals product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Arena Pharmaceuticals was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that developed novel small-molecule therapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Its lead pipeline asset was etrasimod, an investigational S1P1/S1P5 dual receptor agonist designed to provide targeted immunomodulation for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, alopecia areata, and other immunological disorders. The company was acquired by Pfizer in 2021.

Product overview

Arena Pharmaceuticals was a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for immunological and inflammatory diseases. The company's key asset was etrasimod, a late-stage therapy candidate for conditions such as alopecia areata. Arena was acquired by Pfizer in 2021, integrating its pipeline into Pfizer's therapeutic portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • Etrasimod Investigational small-molecule S1P receptor modulator (S1P1/S1P5 dual receptor agonist) being developed for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, alopecia areata, and other immunological conditions. Designed to provide targeted immunomodulation with the goal of reducing systemic immunosuppression compared to traditional therapies. Targeted at regulators, healthcare providers, and patients with high-unmet-need autoimmune conditions.

Companies that use Arena Pharmaceuticals

Customer profile

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Arena Pharmaceuticals technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Arena Pharmaceuticals partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

  • PfizercoreOthers · 1 January 2021Pfizer completed its acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals in 2021. The acquisition strengthened Pfizer's pipeline with Arena's lead asset etrasimod, an S1P receptor modulator for autoimmune diseases. Arena Pharmaceuticals operated as a separate clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines for immunology and inflammation before becoming part of Pfizer's portfolio.
  • PfizercoreOthersArena Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Pfizer as part of the company's strategy to expand its R&D pipeline and therapeutic areas. The acquisition brought etrasimod (an S1P receptor modulator) into Pfizer's portfolio, supporting their Oncology and Vaccines growth drivers alongside other acquisitions including Seagen and Biohaven.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Arena Pharmaceuticals competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

Arena Pharmaceuticals social profiles

Digital presence

Arena Pharmaceuticals financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Arena Pharmaceuticals leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Arena Pharmaceuticals funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds8 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Arena Pharmaceuticals M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Arena Pharmaceuticals

What does Arena Pharmaceuticals do?

Arena Pharmaceuticals was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that developed novel small-molecule therapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Its lead pipeline asset was etrasimod, an investigational S1P1/S1P5 dual receptor agonist designed to provide targeted immunomodulation for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, alopecia areata, and other immunological disorders. The company was acquired by Pfizer in 2021.

Is Arena Pharmaceuticals a public or private company?

Arena Pharmaceuticals is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.

When was Arena Pharmaceuticals founded?

Arena Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1977. It employs 251 to 500 people.

Where is Arena Pharmaceuticals based?

Arena Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.

Does Arena Pharmaceuticals have an API?

No public API is recorded for Arena Pharmaceuticals.

What industry is Arena Pharmaceuticals in?

Arena Pharmaceuticals's product category is Immunology & Inflammation Therapeutics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIACAB, Immunology & Autoimmune Specialty Pharmaceuticals, with a secondary code of HLAIAAAD, Immunology & Inflammation Pharmaceuticals. Its NAICS code is 325412 and its SIC code is 2834.

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Live signals
Market ScoopPharmaceuticals MarketA market research report projects the global pharmaceuticals market to grow from US$1,784.2 billion in 2024 to US$3,643.2 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%, with North America leading at a 39.6% market share. Key growth drivers include the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising R&D investments in biologics, gene therapies, and personalized medicine, as well as the expansion of decentralized clinical trials and continued mergers and acquisitions activity across the sector. Notable recent developments cited include Pfizer's 2021 acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals and EPAM Systems' 2024 acquisition of Odysseus, alongside McKesson's October 2024 launch of InspiroGene for cell and gene therapy commercialization.Market ScoopGeneric Pharmaceuticals Market Expected To Hit US$ 740.5 BillionThe global generic pharmaceuticals market is projected to grow from US$374.6 billion in 2023 to US$740.5 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.1%, driven by rising chronic disease prevalence and patent expirations on blockbuster drugs. Major pharmaceutical companies are actively consolidating through strategic acquisitions, including Pfizer's $43 billion acquisition of Seagen, its $6.7 billion purchase of Arena Pharmaceuticals, and Sanofi's $2.9 billion acquisition of Provention Bio. The sector is also undergoing structural changes, with Novartis spinning off its Sandoz generics division and Sanofi divesting its Zentiva generics unit to Advent International for €1.9 billion.Insights10UK Obesity Drugs Market Analysis Report 2022 to 2030A market research report priced at $3,999 analyzes the UK obesity drugs market, covering drivers, restraints, segmentation by drug type and distribution channel, reimbursement, and competitive landscape. It cites major players including Novo Nordisk, GlaxoSmithKline, Orexigen Therapeutics, Arena Pharmaceuticals, VIVUS, Eisai and Hoffmann-La Roche. The Europe obesity drug market was valued at about $4.4 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2030 at a 9.3% CAGR.Insights10UK Obesity Drugs Market Analysis Report 2022 to 2030A market research report priced at $3,999 analyzes the UK obesity drugs market, covering drivers, restraints, segmentation, competitive landscape, reimbursement and regulatory frameworks. It cites obesity prevalence as a growth driver and lists companies including Novo Nordisk, GlaxoSmithKline, Orexigen Therapeutics, Arena Pharmaceuticals, VIVUS and Eisai. The report does not disclose the UK market size or forecast figures.Insights10UK Obesity Drugs Market Analysis Report 2022 to 2030A market research report priced at $3,999 covers the UK obesity drugs market, covering drivers, restraints, segmentation, competitive landscape, reimbursement and regulatory frameworks. It cites UK healthcare spending of £257.6 billion in 2020, with obesity drugs including Bupropion, Naltrexone, Orlistat, Lorcaserin, Phentermine, Topiramate and Liraglutide. Named players include Novo Nordisk, GlaxoSmithKline, Orexigen Therapeutics, Arena Pharmaceuticals, VIVUS and Eisai.Insights10UK Obesity Drugs Market Analysis Report 2022 to 2030A market research report priced at $3,999 analyzes the UK obesity drugs market, covering drivers, restraints, segmentation, competitive landscape, reimbursement and regulatory frameworks. It cites obesity prevalence as a growth driver and lists companies including Novo Nordisk, GlaxoSmithKline, Orexigen Therapeutics, Arena Pharmaceuticals, VIVUS and Eisai. The report also notes the Europe obesity drug market was about $4.4 billion in 2021, projected to reach $9.1 billion in 2030 at 9.3% CAGR.PR NewswireRising Healthcare Expenditures Propel Ulcerative Colitis Market - Expected to Surpass $8.86 Billion by 2027ResearchAndMarkets.com announced the addition of the "Ulcerative Colitis Global Market Report 2023" to its offerings, projecting the global market to grow from $6.35 billion in 2022 to $8.86 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 6.7%, driven by rising healthcare expenditures and technological advancements. The report highlights Pfizer's $6.7 billion acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals in March 2022 and an AI-based rating system launched by Clario ERT Inc., GI Reviewers LLC, and RSIP Vision in March 2023 as key industry developments. North America dominated the market in 2022, with the report covering global regions including the USA, China, Germany, Japan, India, and the UK.PR NewswireMarket Leaders Johnson & Johnson, Novartis AG, and Pfizer Drive Expansion in Global Musculoskeletal Disorders Drugs Market to 2029A new ResearchAndMarkets.com report projects the global musculoskeletal disorders drugs market to reach $109.4 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%, with the Asia Pacific region expected to capture approximately 40% of market share driven by aging populations in China, Japan, and India. Pfizer Inc. completed an acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals to strengthen its immunology and inflammation portfolio, while partnerships such as Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices' collaboration with Microsoft illustrate how market players are expanding their digital surgery and treatment capabilities. The report identifies over 150 musculoskeletal conditions driving demand, though it notes that projected healthcare professional shortages by 2035 could constrain market growth.MarketWatchPfizer closes $6.7 billion acquisition of Arena PharmaceuticalsPfizer Inc. has completed the acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion, a transaction that contributed to a 2.0% rise in Pfizer's stock price on Friday. The deal provides Pfizer with access to Arena's pipeline of treatments for immuno-inflammatory diseases, including the experimental therapy etrasimod for ulcerative colitis.PR Newswire2022 Primed after 2021's Record M&A DealsGlobal M&A activity reached a record $5.9 trillion in 2021, up 64% from 2020 and the highest volume since 1980, with over 63,000 transactions completed as companies pursued growth amid pandemic disruptions and supply chain challenges; the United States saw an 82% surge in deal flow. The article profiles Flora Growth Corp. as an active acquirer, having recently closed acquisitions adding approximately $35 million in revenues and $7 million EBITDA, including a $16 million cash plus 9.5 million share deal for a wellness brand generating $28 million in 2020 revenue, while also highlighting other major pending deals including Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Pfizer's $6.7 billion purchase of Arena Pharmaceuticals, and NVIDIA's acquisition of Bright Computing. Professional services firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers expects M&A momentum to continue into 2022 as companies pursue mergers, divestitures, and other transactions to achieve growth.