Merz Therapeutics announced that it has acquired Inbrija inhaled dry powder levodopa from Acorda Therapeutics, which declared bankruptcy earlier this year. Merz had served as a “stalking horse bidder” for the Acorda assets, which also included Fampyra. Inbrija has been approved treatment of OFF episodes in Parkinson’s disease patients since December 2018 in the US and since 2019 in Europe.
Catalent acquired the Inbrija manufacturing facility from Acorda in 2021 and a revised supply agreement with Acorda in early 2023 reduced Acorda’s purchase requirement for Inbrija. Esteve has previously acquired the rights to Inbrija in several European countries; Chance Pharmaceuticals acquired the rights for China; and Biopas has the rights to the DPI in some South and Central American countries.
Merz Therapeutics CEO Stefan König commented, “The addition of Inbrija and Fampyra to the treatment portfolio underlines Merz Therapeutics’ global Pivot for Growth strategy to both evolve the current portfolio and achieve critical scale and global reach. Merz Therapeutics is well poised to build on what we have accomplished in the specialty neurology space, strengthening our market position in Parkinson’s disease and expanding into the MS segment. This deal demonstrates Merz Therapeutics’ interest and ability to acquire assets that will deliver greater, sustainable outcomes for more people living with neurological disorders.”
Read the Merz Therapeutics press release.
