BioMarin acquires Zacharon Pharma for upfront $10 million

US drugmaker BioMarin Pharmaceutical (Nasdaq: BMRN) says it has acquired Zacharon Pharmaceuticals, a privately-held biotechnology company based in San Diego focused on developing small molecules targeting pathways of glycan and glycolipid metabolism.

Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, BioMarin paid $10 million upfront for 100% Zacharon's share capital and may make potential additional payments for clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones. The costs to be incurred in 2013 of acquiring Zacharon and absorbing its operations is covered by the previously provided 2013 R&D expense guidance.

Lead program focused on the oral treatment of MPS III