Shire links with Sanquin to increase supply of Cinryze

Ireland-incorporated Shire (LSE: SHP) has entered into an agreement with Netherlands-based Sanquin Blood Supply, the manufacturer of Cinryze (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]), providing Shire access to its manufacturing technology and allowing Shire to source additional manufacturers to meet the growing demand for Cinryze.

Shire’s shares were up 1.8% at £47.90 in early Tuesday afternoon trading following the announcement.

"We wanted the freedom to operate and expand in a way that makes strategic sense for our business," said Flemming Ornskov, chief executive of Shire. "When Shire acquired ViroPharma in January 2014, we inherited an arrangement under which Sanquin was the exclusive manufacturer for Cinryze. We're pleased that Sanquin was open to expanding our partnership and agreeing to support us as we increase production options for this important therapy," he added.