** Shares of biotech co Fusion Pharmaceuticals FUSN.O
surge 95% to $20.75 premarket
** Co to be acquired by AstraZeneca AZN.L for about $2
billion in cash, as AZN bets on next-generation cancer
treatments
** AZN will pay $21 per Fusion share, a premium of more than
97% to FUSN's closing price on Monday
** As part of the deal, AZN will gain access to FUSN's most
advanced program, FPI-2265, currently in a mid-stage trial to
treat patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate
cancer
** AZN to also pay co a non-transferable contingent value
right of $3 per share, taking the combined transaction value to
about $2.4 bln
** The transaction is expected to close in Q2 of 2024
** FUSN more than doubled in the last 12 months, up to last
close
(Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru)
((Sneha.SK@thomsonreuters.com;))