Shionogi to acquire Qpex Biopharma

Japanese pharma major Shionogi (TYO: 4507) today revealed it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire San Diego, USA-based Qpexa BioPharma, privately held clinical stage pharmaceutical company with expertise in antimicrobial research and development.

Following the completion of the acquisition, which is expected to closes in early July and is subject to customary closing conditions, Qpex will become a wholly owned subsidiary of US subsidiary Shionogi Inc.

Shionogi notes that Qpex’ leadership team has a proven track record of discovering novel compounds that target bacteria that are resistant to available antibiotics. This is directly aligned with Shionogi’s commitment to “Protect people worldwide from the threat of infectious diseases.” Qpex also has specialized expertise in areas of chemistry and molecular design that are complementary to Shionogi’s own capabilities, and extensive experience in the development and progression of antimicrobial products, by themselves and in collaboration, which will be immediately useful for the advancement of our combined antibiotic pipeline.