Bioton acquires biosimilar drug maker for $78M

Bioton is paying $78 million to acquire Biopartners Holdings, which makes Valtropin. Valtropin--a human growth hormone--was the second biogeneric therapy to be approved in Europe. Biopartners has a pH neutral formulation of interferon beta for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a late stage trial. A Phase I trial for a formulation of erythropoietin for the treatment of anemia due to renal failure and chemotherapy-induced anaemia is scheduled for later this year.

"Bioton and Biopartners Holdings are complementary companies with excellent synergies in production and marketing, as well as sales and distribution," remarks Jean-Noël Treilles, CEO of Biopartners.

- see the release on the latest buyout