CHEPLAPHARM acquired rights to Valcyte® in certain countries worldwide, which is currently marketed by Roche with a well-established position in the therapy of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The active substance of Valcyte® is listed on WHO list of essential medicines and is an important antiviral molecule for the treatment of CMV-retinitis in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Moreover, it is the drug of choice for CMV management in adult and paediatric recipients of solid organ transplants. As CHEPLAPHARM is already active in the therapeutic area of anti infectives and antivirals, this medicine perfectly complements the portfolio of the company.
"This medicine perfectly complements the portfolio of the company with, for example, products like Cymevene®, which has been acquired from Roche in 2018 for the treatment and prophylaxis of CMV in immunocompromised patients, especially in the inpatient setting", said Co-CEO Edeltraud Lafer.
Both, Cymevene® and its oral prodrug Valcyte® are recommended, depending on clinical condition of the patient, as first-line therapy in the International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Cytomegalovirus in solid organ Transplantation (2018) as well as in other major clinical guidelines.
Valcyte® was first marketed in the United States in March 2001 and received European approval in September 2001. It is available as film-coated tablets and as powder for oral solution. Currently, Valcyte® is registered in approximately 85 countries. Valcyte® is globally viewed as an irreplaceable medicine and has a very strong brand loyalty and reputation. Furthermore, Valcyte® is listed in the WHO list of essential medicines and also recommended in CMV management by the American Society of Transplantation 2019, as well as in other major clinical guidelines. As of the reporting date of 30th September 2021, 30 percent of CHEPLAPHARMs portfolio consists of products listed in the WHO essential medicine.
The transaction includes product registrations, intellectual property, certain contracts and inventories. The deal does not include any transfer of manufacturing facilities or employees.