Shire Acquires sanaplasma AG Boosting Plasma Collection Network for Immunology Franchise

Shire (LSE:SHP, NASDAQ:SHPG) announces the acquisition of sanaplasma AG, a source plasma collection company headquartered in Switzerland. The acquisition of sanaplasma AG is expected to increase Shire’s access to plasma in the longer term and add to its European plasma collection network, complementing existing core capabilities in plasma supply and manufacturing.

As quoted in the press release:

Plasma is essential to the manufacture of immunoglobulin therapies that help treat patients living with certain rare immunological diseases. Immunology is Shire’s largest franchise, with 18% growth on a pro-forma basis in 2017 to $4.4 billion in product sales, primarily driven by increased global demand for subcutaneous and intravenous immunoglobulin brands. This acquisition is expected to support the growth of the Immunology business and help meet the needs of patients around the world.

Sue Brown, VP Global Operations for Shire BioLife Plasma Services, said:
“The acquisition of sanaplasma AG demonstrates Shire’s commitment to its rapidly growing and leading Immunology business. The combination of sanaplasma AG’s 14 plasma centres in the Czech Republic and Hungary with our more than 100 BioLife centres in the US and Austria will help us to meet the continuously growing demand for plasma-derived medicines.”

Dr. Martin Lukas, co-owner of sanaplasma AG said:
“I look forward to working with the team at Shire during the transition to help ensure continuity of supply, know-how transfer, and a smooth handover to position the business for future success as it continues to meet patient needs.”

Click here to read the full press release.