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Bora Pharmaceuticals Expands Rare Disease Reach with Pyros Pharmaceuticals Acquisition

Bora Pharmaceuticals has announced its acquisition of U.S.-based Pyros Pharmaceuticals.

Founded in 2017, Pyros recently launched VIGAFYDE™ (vigabatrin), the first and only ready-to-use oral solution for infantile spasms, a rare and severe form of epilepsy in young children. Approved by the FDA in June 2024, VIGAFYDE simplifies dosing and provides much-needed treatment for pediatric patients.

Bora's CEO, Bobby Sheng, highlighted the synergies between Pyros' innovative research and Upsher-Smith’s expertise in pediatric CNS conditions, foreseeing enhanced patient outcomes through this powerful alliance. Pyros co-founder and CEO, Michael Smith, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the shared mission of improving care for rare disease patients. The acquisition follows Bora’s recent purchases of Upsher-Smith Laboratories and TWi Pharmaceuticals, reinforcing its rapid global growth in the CDMO and commercial prescription sectors.

Bora Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (“Bora” or “the Company”, TWSE: 6472), today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of US-based Pyros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Pyros”), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing treatments for rare diseases.

Founded in 2017 by Michael Smith and Edwin Urrutia, Pyros recently launched VIGAFYDETM (vigabatrin) oral solution, which is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) in pediatric patients 1 month to 2 years, where the potential benefits outweigh the potential risk of vision loss. Infantile spasms, a rare but severe form of epilepsy, pose significant challenges for patients and their families.

VIGAFYDE is the first and only ready-to-use vigabatrin oral solution and represents a significant advancement in the treatment of infantile spasms as the first new product approved for this condition in 15 years. As the only premixed, ready-to-use vigabatrin formulation, VIGAFYDE offers patients and caregivers a simpler dosing process and enhances the likelihood of accurate dosing. VIGAFYDE was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 17, 2024 and became available to patients in September 2024.

This acquisition follows Bora’s recent purchase of Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC earlier this year and TWi Pharmaceuticals in 2022. These moves mark Bora’s rapid growth into a global competitor in both the contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) and commercial prescription (Rx) sectors.

“We see incredible synergies between Upsher-Smith and Pyros,” stated Bobby Sheng, Chairman and CEO of Bora Group. “Pyros’ innovative R&D and deep understanding of the unmet needs of the market, combined with Upsher-Smith’s reputation in the pediatric CNS space, create a powerful alliance that will enhance treatment satisfaction and patient outcomes with vigabatrin.”

Michael Smith, co-founder and CEO of Pyros commented, “We are excited to reach this agreement with Bora, a company that shares our commitment to supporting families navigating the unique challenges of rare diseases and aligns with our mission of elevating the standard of care for these often overlooked and under-supported patient communities.”

Sheng added, “Our combined team is committed to educating healthcare providers on the unparalleled value of VIGAFYDE and its unique benefits for both caregivers and patients alike.”

For Bora, Stifel is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is acting as legal advisor in this transaction. For Pyros, Piper Sandler is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Cooley LLP is acting as legal advisor.

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