Biofrontera on the move, acquiring US dermatology company

Germany-based  Biofrontera (FSE: B8F) has entered into an agreement to acquire all shares in Cutanea Life Sciences through its subsidiary Biofrontera Newderm LLC as the acquirer, with Maruho Co Japan as the seller.

Maruho holds approximately 20% of Biofrontera AG. Cutanea is a US-based pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology. Cutanea markets AKTIPAK, a prescription gel for the treatment of acne, and in November 2018 launched Xepi, a prescription cream for the treatment of impetigo, a frequent bacterial skin infection (Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes). Xepi is the only drug in its class approved by the Food and Drug Administration with activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA).

The acquisition enables Biofrontera to leverage its established sales force in the USA, broadens Biofrontera’s dermatology portfolio, and strengthens its relationship with Maruho. This transaction is expected to strengthen Biofrontera's US market presence and allow it to compete more effectively in the US dermatology market by adding Cutanea's products and expertise to its existing core business.