Ipsen buys portfolio of consumer brands

French drugmaker Ipsen (Euronext: IPN) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire five consumer healthcare products in certain European territories.

Of this portfolio from pharma major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN), the most significant product is Prontalgine, an analgesic for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, which has grown at double digit rates over the last four years and is available only in France. The portfolio also includes Buscopan, an antispasmodic; Suppositoria Glycerini, a laxative; and Mucothiol and Mucodyne, expectorants for cough and flu. Combined, these regional brands span a geographic scope of eight European countries. Manufacturing will be provided by third parties.

Ipsen chief executive David Meek commented: “This tactical bolt-on transaction resulting from the European Commission’s requirement to divest certain assets from the Sanofi / Boehringer Ingelheim consumer healthcare deal strengthens our consumer healthcare portfolio in France with the addition of Prontalgine. The opportunity immediately improves the profitability profile of Ipsen’s Primary Care business. It adds a limited portfolio of well-established and market leading brands in a key market such as France.”