** Shares of VectivBio Holding AG VECT.O rise about 40% to
$16.7 before the bell after Ironwood Pharmaceuticals IRWD.O
says it would buy the Switzerland-based drug developer for $1.15
billion
** Shares of IRWD down ~14% at $9 premarket
** IRWD gains access to VECT's experimental drug apraglutide
through the deal
** IRWD will pay $17/share for VECT, representing a premium
of about 43% compared to its last close
** As of last close, VECT up nearly 37% and IRWD down about
15% so far this year
(Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru)
((Bhanvi.Satija@thomsonreuters.com; Outside U.S. +91
9873062788;))