BRIEF—Merck rumored to be planning bid for Acceleron

US pharma giant Merck & Co is in advanced discussions to acquire d0rugmaker Acceleron Pharma, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Also, Bloomberg report on Friday said Acceleron was in talks to be acquired for more than $11 billion, or around $180 per share in cash.

Acceleron’s shares moved up nearly 9% to $182.45 including after-hours trading yesterday.

Bloomberg had reported that several drugmakers including Merck's rival Bristol-Myers Squibb, which owns 11.5% of Acceleron's stock, were seen as potential suitors.

Acceleron currently earns royalties from sales of Reblozyl (luspatercept-aamt), a drug to treat two blood related disorders, and is developing another treatment for a type of high blood pressure that affects the lungs, which is jointly co-promoted by BMS and Acceleron.