During the pre-market session on Tuesday, shares of Poseida Therapeutics, Inc. (PSTX) skyrocketed by 224.65%, fueled by the announcement of a merger agreement to be acquired by Roche Holdings, Inc. in a deal valued at up to $1.5 billion on a fully diluted basis.

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will launch a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Poseida for $9.00 per share in cash, plus a non-tradeable contingent value right (CVR) to receive up to an additional $4.00 per share in cash upon achieving specific milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.

The acquisition aims to establish a new core capability for Roche in allogeneic cell therapy, with lead opportunities focused on the existing strategic collaboration between Poseida and Roche in hematologic malignancies. It will also include Poseida's CAR-T programs for solid tumors and autoimmune diseases, its genetic engineering platform, and related preclinical medicines.