Chiesi expands rare disease portfolio with acquisition

Privately-owned Italian drugmaker Chiesi Group has signed, through its UK affiliate, a definitive agreement with Sunstone Capital to acquire Denmark-headquartered Zymenex Holding and its related group of companies, a biopharmaceutical group focused on R&D of innovative biologic therapeutics for the treatment of rare and life threatening genetic diseases. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition of Zymenex includes Lamazym (rhLAMAN), a Phase III recombinant enzyme indicated for use to treat patients suffering from alpha-Mannosidosis, as well as other early stage compounds. Zymenex R&D capabilities will establish a research and development position for Chiesi in the recombinant biologics market for rare diseases and provide a new channel for continued global growth. Chiesi will leverage its expertise in commercializing innovative pharmaceutical solutions to bring the treatment to all the worldwide patients suffering from alpha-mannosidosis.

This transaction marks Chiesi's entrance into the rare disease space and provides an opportunity to access high-potential markets, said Ugo Di Francesco, chief executive of Chiesi, adding: "By expanding our research and development assets and know-how, we believe we can successfully commercialize new and developing drugs to enhance our portfolio, expand our international footprint and strengthen our competitive position.”