Takeda To Acquire URL Pharma For Gout Drug, Colcrys

Takeda Pharma subsidiary Takeda America Holdings, Inc. is set to acquire Philadelphia-based URL Pharma for US$800 million.

AsianScientist (Apr. 13, 2012) – Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Takeda America Holdings, Inc. is set to acquire Philadelphia-based URL Pharma for US$800 million and future performance-based contingent earn out payments.

URL Pharma is a pharmaceutical company with 2011 calendar year revenues of nearly $600 million. Its leading product is Colcrys (colchicine) – used to treat and prevent gout flares. Net sales for Colcrys in calendar year 2011 were more than $430 million, and continued growth of Colcrys sales is expected through the product’s lifecycle.

Upon completion of the acquisition, URL Pharma will be managed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.

“This acquisition expands Takeda’s gout treatment portfolio and leverages our expertise in primary care,” said Douglas Cole, president, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.

“Gout affects more than eight million Americans, and the prevalence of gout is rising. We are pleased to have URL Pharma’s Colcrys added to our product portfolio and look forward to further realizing our goal of helping patients by providing multiple treatment options to manage the symptoms of acute and chronic gout in the U.S.”

Colcrys complements Takeda’s position in the gout marketplace with Uloric (febuxostat), used to lower blood uric acid levels in adults with gout.

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Source: Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.
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