Shield Thera and Viatris to co-commercialize Accrufer in USA

UK specialty pharma firm Shield Therapeutics (LSE: STX) has entered into an exclusive, multi-year agreement with US generics major Viatris (Nasdaq: VTRS) to co-commercialize Accrufer (ferric maltol), a novel, oral iron therapy differentiated from other conventional irons by its efficacy, well-tolerated formulation, and broad indication, in the USA.

The oral iron market in the USA is an estimated $2 billion market opportunity, and Accrufer is the only FDA approved oral iron to treat iron deficiency, with or without anemia. This new collaboration expands the commercial footprint and resources for Accrufer, as the brand aspires to be the oral iron of choice in the US market.

The collaboration will result in a 100-person sales team who will promote Accrufer to over 12,000 Health Care Professionals who write the majority of oral iron prescriptions. In addition, Shield and Viatris will also deploy additional resources in digital marketing, market access, distribution and commercial operations via a shared cost model.