Arcutis Biotherapeutics, a California-based early commercial stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing meaningful innovations in immuno-dermatology, completed the acquisition of Ducentis BioTherapeutics, a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for inflammation and autoimmune diseases, from LifeArc, a self-funded medical research charity, for $400m. "Arcutis has the resources, experience and commitment to accelerate clinical development of DS-234 to treat patients with atopic dermatitis, and, in future, other serious autoimmune diseases lacking effective treatment options. With Arcutis' depth of knowledge and capabilities in dermatology, and its team's experience developing, manufacturing and commercialising biologics, we are confident Arcutis is well positioned to build on Ducentis' pre-clinical work," Philip Huxley, Ducentis founder and former CEO.