The deal is worth $5.2 bln. Shire global sales exceeded US$5 billion in 2013. Company’s top products include Vyvanse for ADD and Elaprase for mucopolysaccharidosis type II. Shire’s Elaprase, Replagal and Vpriv, which used to treat rare hereditary diseases caused by enzyme deficiencies, are present in Russia. Shire became a target of AbbVie last year. The US$55 billion purchase was meant to enable AbbVie to move its headquarters outside of the USA. The relocation would have resulted in substantial tax savings. The deal was canceled after American authorities passed a law preventing these so-called tax inversions. NPS Pharmaceuticals is an American orphan drug maker. Company’s marketed portfolio consists of 4 products, which include Gattex for short bowel syndrome and parathyroid hormone Natpara. In Russia NPS Pharmaceuticals is known for its anti-parathyroid agent Mimpara marketed by Amgen and an opioid analgesic Palexia (tapentadol) sold by Grunenthal. NPS Pharmaceuticals has 4 products in various stages of R&D, which also makes the company very attractive. The acquisition will strengthen Shire’s presence in the market of highly profitable orphan drugs.

Sources: Drug Discovery and Development, Vidal, EvaluatePharma®