Merz Therapeutics Closes $185M Asset Purchase Agreement with Acorda Therapeutics
July 10 2024 - 2:34PM
Business Wire
- Acquisition of INBRIJA (levodopa inhalation powder) and
(F)AMPYRA (fampridine) expands specialty neurology portfolio
- Lays groundwork for Parkinson’s disease franchise and anchor in
multiple sclerosis therapy
- Plans include growth of U.S. workforce by more than 50%
Merz Therapeutics announces today the successful acquisition of
INBRIJA® (levodopa inhalation powder) and (F)AMPYRA® (fampridine),
and related assets from Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. AMPYRA®
(dalfampridine) is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved in
the U.S. and commercialized as FAMPYRA in the European Union and
other territories throughout the world. This transaction was
conducted through a court-structured 363 sale under the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code. The completion of this deal, valued at USD 185
million in cash, bolsters Merz Therapeutics’ market position by
enhancing offerings for people living with Parkinson’s disease and
expanding into the multiple sclerosis (MS) space.
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“The addition of INBRIJA and (F)AMPYRA to the treatment
portfolio underlines Merz Therapeutics’ global Pivot for Growth
strategy to both evolve the current portfolio and achieve critical
scale and global reach,” said Stefan K�nig, CEO of Merz
Therapeutics. “Merz Therapeutics is well poised to build on what we
have accomplished in the specialty neurology space, strengthening
our market position in Parkinson’s disease and expanding into the
MS segment. This deal demonstrates Merz Therapeutics’ interest and
ability to acquire assets that will deliver greater, sustainable
outcomes for more people living with neurological disorders.”
INBRIJA and (F)AMPYRA are projected to immediately add topline
revenue which will enhance Merz Therapeutics’ ability to accelerate
clinical development of its existing and new assets. Its U.S.
business is forecasted to contribute more than 75% of INBRIJA’s and
(F)AMPYRA’s total global revenues over the next 10 years.
Additionally, the company expects the U.S. workforce to increase by
more than 50%.
INBRIJA is a significant advancement for people living with
Parkinson's disease as it provides an on-demand, inhalable form of
levodopa, offering an effective way to manage “OFF” episodes. This
method of delivery, achievable through the innovative and
proprietary technology platform, ARCUS®, is especially valuable for
people who need rapid relief from their symptoms, which cannot be
achieved reliably through oral intake.
(F)AMPYRA is the first medication approved for improving walking
in patients with MS, demonstrated by an improved walking
ability.
“Expanding the portfolio with INBRIJA, including plans for
worldwide product roll-out, and (F)AMPYRA allows Merz Therapeutics
the opportunity to leverage its experience in the specialty
neurology space to serve even more patients living with
neurological disorders and support the physicians who treat them,”
said Stefan Albrecht, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer.
“Because these treatments complement the company’s product
portfolio and distribution system, we are well positioned to
support patients who depend on these products seamlessly.”
About INBRIJA
INBRIJA® is an inhaled prescription levodopa medicine used to
treat the return of Parkinson’s symptoms (known as “OFF” episodes)
in people with Parkinson’s disease who are treated with
carbidopa/levodopa medicines. It does not replace the regular
carbidopa/levodopa medicines. INBRIJA is not to be used by people
with Parkinson’s disease who take or have taken a nonselective
monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine,
within the last 2 weeks. The most common side effects of INBRIJA
are cough, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea and change in
the color of saliva or spit.
About FAMPYRA
FAMPYRA® is a prolonged-release (sustained release) tablet
formulation of the drug fampridine (4-aminopyridine, 4-AP or
dalfampridine). FAMPYRA is indicated in the European Union for the
improvement of walking in adult patients with multiple sclerosis
(MS) with walking disability (EDSS 4-7). In clinical trials, the
highest incidence of adverse reactions identified with FAMPYRA
given at the recommended dose was urinary tract infection. Other
adverse drug reactions identified were mainly divided between
neurological disorders such as insomnia, balance disorder,
dizziness, paraesthesia and headache, and gastrointestinal
disorders including nausea, dyspepsia and constipation. In
post-marketing experience, there have been reports of seizure.
Please see FAMPYRA EPAR for more information.
About AMPYRA
AMPYRA® is an extended-release tablet formulation of
dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine, 4-AP or fampridine). AMPYRA is a
potassium channel blocker approved as a treatment to help improve
walking in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). This was
demonstrated by an increase in walking speed. The most common side
effects for AMPYRA in MS patients were urinary tract infection;
trouble sleeping; dizziness; headache; nausea; weakness; back pain;
problems with balance; multiple sclerosis relapse; burning,
tingling, or itching of your skin; irritation in your nose and
throat; constipation; indigestion; and pain in your throat. Please
see the AMPYRA Patient Medication Guide for more information.
About Merz Therapeutics
Merz Therapeutics is dedicated to improving the lives of
patients around the world. With its relentless research,
development and culture of innovation, Merz Therapeutics strives to
serve unmet patient needs and realize better outcomes. Merz
Therapeutics seeks to address the unique needs of people who suffer
from movement disorders, neurological conditions, liver disease and
other health conditions that severely impact patients’ quality of
life.
Merz Therapeutics is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
and is represented in more than 90 countries, with a North America
affiliate based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Merz Therapeutics GmbH
is part of the Merz Group, a privately held, family-owned company
that has dedicated 115 years to developing innovations that serve
unmet patient and customer needs.
Please visit www.merztherapeutics.com
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Press Contact for Global Inquiries: Merz Therapeutics
GmbH Agnes Tesch Global Communications +49 69 1503 2129
agnes.tesch@merz.de
Press Contact for North America Inquiries: Merz
Therapeutics Nicole Lovern Corporate Communications 6601 Six Forks
Road, Suite 430, Raleigh, NC 27615 (571) 442-9665
Nicole.Lovern@merz.com