Analysis of Roche’s InterMune acquisition

The acquisition of US biotech company InterMune (Nasdaq: ITMN) gives Swiss drug major Roche (ROG: SIX) a substantial opportunity, owing to the Breakthrough Therapy designation of pirfenidone, according to GlobalData analysts.

The oral respiratory therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has recently received breakthrough therapy designation from the US Food and Drug Administration, based on results from a Phase III trial. The FDA is to make its final decision on the application by late October.

Adam Dion, health care industry analyst at GlobalData, said: “Following the organization’s previous rejection of pirfenidone, this breakthrough designation was clearly the sign that Roche was waiting for before pulling the trigger on the purchase. For Roche, the acquisition extends its reach into the fast-growing respiratory market, a therapy franchise from which the company derives only a small fraction of its sales.”