US Biotech Firm Apellis Is Said to Attract Takeover Interest

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotech firm focused on rare diseases and ophthalmology, is drawing takeover interest from larger drugmakers, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The company is speaking to advisers to consider its options amid the interest, they said. Apellis may also consider seeking partnerships or licensing agreements for some of its ophthalmology products, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information.

Shares of Apellis have risen about 28% in New York this year, giving it a market value of $7.6 billion.

Deliberations are ongoing and there’s no certainty they will lead to a ...