AstraZeneca concludes acquisition of Amolyt Pharma
Cambridge: AstraZeneca has announced the successful completion of the acquisition of Amolyt Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel treatments for rare endocrine diseases.
The acquisition bolsters the Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease late-stage pipeline and expands on its bone metabolism franchise with the notable addition of eneboparatide (AZP-3601), a Phase III investigational therapeutic peptide with a novel mechanism of action designed to meet key therapeutic goals for hypoparathyroidism. In patients with hypoparathyroidism, a deficiency in parathyroid hormone (PTH) production results in significant dysregulation of calcium and phosphate, which can lead to life-altering symptoms and complications, including chronic kidney disease.
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, AstraZeneca has acquired all of Amolyt Pharma’s outstanding shares for a total consideration of up to $1.05 billion, on a cash and debt free basis. This includes $800 million upfront at deal closing, plus the right for Amolyt Pharma’s shareholders to receive an additional contingent payment of $250 million payable upon achievement of a specified regulatory milestone.
Eneboparatide (AZP-3601) is an investigational therapeutic peptide designed to bind with high affinity to a specific conformation of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor 1.2 Therapeutic goals include: regulating and maintaining serum calcium levels in the normal range, and thereby managing the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism; limiting urine calcium excretion by restoring calcium reabsorption by the kidney; and potentially preventing progressive decline in kidney function and the development of chronic kidney disease. Eneboparatide is also designed to have a short plasma half-life to potentially restore bone turnover to a more physiologic state and to help preserve bone integrity.
Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition defined by a deficiency of parathyroid hormone that results in decreased calcium and elevated phosphorus levels in the blood. Approximately 80% of the estimated 115,000 people in the United States and 107,000 in the European Union with hypoparathyroidism are women. Despite available treatments, patients experience persistent, life-altering symptoms and often develop complications and comorbidities that diminish quality of life and create segments of the patient population with specific clinical needs. Clinical manifestations of hypoparathyroidism impact many tissues and organ systems, in particular, the kidneys and bone.
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