Alexion Pharmaceuticals to acquire Wilson Therapeutics for $855m to enhance rare disease treatment options

In a significant move to expand its rare disease drug portfolio, U.S.-based Alexion Pharmaceuticals has announced an all-cash acquisition of Swedish pharmaceutical company Wilson Therapeutics for SEK7.1 billion ($855 million). This strategic acquisition is set to significantly bolster Alexion’s offerings in the rare disease sector, particularly in treating Wilson disease, a rare copper-mediated disorder.

Details of the Acquisition

Under the terms of the deal, Alexion Pharmaceuticals will pay SEK232 ($27.84) per share for Wilson Therapeutics. This acquisition not only enhances Alexion’s presence in the rare disease market but also promises to bring innovative treatments to patients worldwide who are battling Wilson disease.

Wilson Therapeutics is currently developing WTX101, an advanced treatment that is in the phase 3 stage of clinical trials. WTX101 is an oral copper-protein-binding agent designed to bind copper from the blood serum and promote its elimination from the liver, addressing the underlying cause of Wilson disease.

CEO Insights and Strategic Fit

Ludwig Hantson, CEO of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, commented on the acquisition: “WTX101 is an innovative product that addresses the underlying cause of the disease and has the potential to define a new standard of care in treating Wilson disease, an area that has not had a new treatment in over two decades.”

He further elaborated on the strategic alignment of the acquisition: “The acquisition of Wilson Therapeutics is a strong strategic fit for Alexion given the overlap with our current clinical and commercial focus on metabolic and neurologic disorders, and is an important first step in rebuilding our clinical pipeline.”

Regulatory Designations and Approvals

WTX101 has garnered significant regulatory attention, having been granted an FDA fast track designation along with an orphan drug designation from both the U.S. regulator and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the European Union.

Industry and Patient Impact

Jonas Hansson, CEO of Wilson Therapeutics, expressed confidence in the partnership: “Alexion is a global leader in rare diseases with a proven record of developing and commercializing therapies for patients with rare diseases, making them a great partner to make WTX101 available to Wilson disease patients worldwide.”

The deal, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is anticipated to be finalized in the second quarter of 2018. This acquisition is expected to provide significant benefits to patients by enhancing access to cutting-edge treatments for Wilson disease, potentially setting a new standard of care for this challenging condition.