Key Takeaways

  • Alfasigma has agreed to acquire 100% of Nordic Pharma and its subsidiaries from Sever Life Sciences
  • The transaction includes Nordic Pharma’s ophthalmology portfolio and expands Alfasigma’s commercial presence across Europe, Canada, and Japan
  • Nordic Pharma is the maker of the Lacrifill Canalicular Gel for dry eye disease

Alfasigma has entered into a share purchase agreement with Sever Life Sciences B.V. to acquire 100% of Nordic Group BV, known as Nordic Pharma, and its subsidiaries, the companies announced.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The transaction will add Nordic Pharma’s specialty pharmaceutical portfolio, including products in ophthalmology, women’s health, critical care, and rheumatology, to Alfasigma’s operations. In its ophthalmology portfolio, Nordic Pharma is the maker of the Lacrifill Canalicular Gel, a CE-marked and FDA-cleared medical device for lacrimal occlusion. It is a transparent and sterile gel made of cross-linked hyaluronic acid, intended to block tear drainage by occlusion of the canalicular system. Lacrifill is indicated for use, for up to 6 months, in patients experiencing dry eye symptoms.

It is also the maker of Biolon and Biolon Prime ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs).

Privately owned Nordic Pharma has direct operations in Europe, Canada, and Japan. The acquisition will expand Alfasigma’s commercial footprint with direct operations in 18 European countries while adding commercial platforms in Canada and Japan.

In rheumatology, the transaction adds Nordic Pharma’s established business led by the Nordimet methotrexate franchise. Alfasigma currently markets the Jyseleca franchise, and the company said the combination will strengthen its position in the therapeutic area. The acquisition will also bring approximately 265 Nordic Pharma employees to Alfasigma.

“Alfasigma is the right partner for Nordic Pharma as we enter our next phase of growth,” said Charlotte Phelps, CEO of Nordic Group B.V. “We look forward to combining our experience to support patients.”

The planned acquisition is consistent with Alfasigma’s merger-and-acquisition strategy as the company expands its international specialty and rare disease operations. Recent transactions include its acquisition of Jyseleca in inflammatory diseases and a licensing agreement with GSK for linerixibat, an investigational treatment for cholestatic pruritus associated with primary biliary cholangitis in adults.

Completion of the Nordic Pharma transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including required regulatory clearances.