Date: 2016-11-21
Type of information: Company acquisition
Acquired company: Atopix Therapeutics (UK)
Acquiring company: Chiesi Farmaceutici (Italy)
Amount: €75 million
Terms: * On November 21, 2016, Chiesi Farmaceutici announced that the company has signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Atopix Therapeutics, an Oxford-based clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel treatments for asthma. Under the terms of the agreement, Chiesi will acquire all outstanding shares of Atopix, its assets and business for a total amount, inclusive of development, regulatory and commercial milestones,that could exceed €75 million. Atopix was advised by Torreya Partners (Europe). Atopix is backed by highly experienced investors including SR One, Wellington Partners, SV Life Sciences and MPM Capital.
Details: Atopix Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel treatments for Th2-mediated eosinophilic asthma. Atopix has a pipeline of once-daily, oral small molecule CRTh2 antagonists for Th2-mediated disorders. Targeting the CRTh2 receptors blocks the host response to allergen and reduces eosinophilic airway inflammation which plays a key role in the manifestation of chronic respiratory disease leading to exacerbations. Its lead product, OC459, is an orally-administered CRTh2 antagonist currently in Phase 2 trials to evaluate the clinical benefit in patients with severe asthma who have persistent airway eosinophilia, despite treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids. ATX2417, a back-up candidate, has completed a Phase 1 human safety study.
This acquisition enhances Chiesi’s pipeline in respiratory disorders, particularly in eosinophilic airways diseases.
Related: Allergic diseases - Respiratory diseases
