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- Acquisition of INBRIJA (levodopa inhalation powder) and (F)AMPYRA (fampridine) expands neurology specialty portfolio
- Lays the foundation for a Parkinson’s disease franchise and anchors treatment for multiple sclerosis
- Plans call for U.S. workforce to grow by more than 50 percent
FRANKFURT, Germany — Merz Therapeutics today announced the successful acquisition of INBRIJA® (levodopa inhalation powder) and (F)AMPYRA® (fampridine) and related assets of Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and marketed as FAMPYRA in the European Union and other territories worldwide. This transaction was completed through a court-structured 363 sale under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The closing of this transaction, valued at $185 million in cash, strengthens Merz Therapeutics’ market position by enhancing offerings for people with Parkinson’s disease and diversifying into multiple sclerosis (MS).
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“The addition of INBRIJA and (F)AMPYRA to the pipeline underscores Merz Therapeutics’ overall Pivot for Growth strategy, which aims to both evolve the current pipeline and achieve critical scale and global reach,” said Stefan König, CEO of Merz Therapeutics. “Merz Therapeutics is well positioned to build on our achievements in specialty neurology, strengthening our position in the Parkinson’s disease market and expanding into the MS segment. This agreement demonstrates Merz Therapeutics’ interest and ability to acquire assets that will deliver better and sustainable outcomes for more people living with neurological disorders.”
INBRIJA and (F)AMPYRA are expected to generate immediate incremental revenues that will enhance Merz Therapeutics’ ability to accelerate the clinical development of its existing and new assets. Its U.S. operations are expected to contribute more than 75% of total global sales of INBRIJA and (F)AMPYRA over the next 10 years. In addition, the Company expects its U.S. headcount to increase by more than 50%.
INBRIJA is a significant advancement for people with Parkinson’s disease as it provides an inhalable form of levodopa on demand, offering an effective way to manage « OFF » episodes. This delivery method, made possible by the innovative and exclusive ARCUS technology platform®is especially useful for people who need rapid relief of their symptoms, which cannot be reliably achieved by oral medication.
(F)AMPYRA is the first medicine approved to improve walking in patients with MS, demonstrated by improved walking ability.
“The expansion of the portfolio with INBRIJA, including global product rollout plans, and (F)AMPYRA enables Merz Therapeutics to leverage its expertise in specialty neurology to serve even more patients with neurological disorders and support the physicians who treat them,” said Stefan Albrecht, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer. “As these therapies complement the company’s product portfolio and distribution system, we are well positioned to seamlessly support the patients who rely on these products.”
About INBRIJA
INBRIJA® INBRIJA is a prescription inhaled levodopa medicine used to treat the return of Parkinson’s disease symptoms (known as « OFF » episodes) in people with Parkinson’s disease who are being treated with carbidopa/levodopa medicines. It does not replace regular carbidopa/levodopa medicines. INBRIJA should not be used by people with Parkinson’s disease who are taking or have taken a non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine, in the last 2 weeks. The most common side effects of INBRIJA are cough, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea and change in colour of saliva or saliva.
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About FAMPYRA
FAMPYRE® is a prolonged-release (extended-release) tablet formulation of the medicinal product fampridine (4-aminopyridine, 4-AP or dalfampridine). FAMPYRA is indicated in the European Union for the improvement of gait in adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are unable to walk (EDSS 4-7). In clinical trials, the highest incidence of adverse reactions identified with FAMPYRA at the recommended dose was urinary tract infection. Other adverse reactions identified were mainly distributed between neurological disorders such as insomnia, balance disorder, dizziness, paraesthesia and headache, and gastrointestinal disorders including nausea, dyspepsia and constipation. In post-marketing experience, cases of seizures have been reported. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. FAMPYRA SAVINGS for more information.
About AMPYRA
AMPYRE® 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 has been demonstrated by an increase in walking speed. The most common side effects of AMPYRA in patients with MS were: urinary tract infection, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, back pain, balance problems, relapse of multiple sclerosis, burning, tingling or itching of the skin, nose and throat irritation, constipation, indigestion and throat pain. Please consult the Medication Guide for Patients with AMPYRA for more information.
About Merz Therapeutics
Merz Therapeutics is dedicated to improving the lives of patients around the world. Through its relentless research, development and culture of innovation, Merz Therapeutics strives to address unmet patient needs and achieve better outcomes. Merz Therapeutics seeks to address the unique needs of people with movement disorders, neurological diseases, liver diseases and other health conditions that have a serious impact on patients’ quality of life.
Merz Therapeutics is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The company operates in over 90 countries. In North America, it has a subsidiary based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Merz Therapeutics GmbH is part of the Merz Group, a privately held family business that has been dedicated to developing innovations that address unmet patient and customer needs for 115 years.
Please visit www.merztherapeutics.com
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Contacts
Press contact for worldwide 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
Business communication
6601 Six Forks Road, Suite 430, Raleigh, NC 27615
(571) 442-9665
Nicole.Lovern@merz.com
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