Dive Brief:
- Just two months after the $52 billion deal with AbbVie fell apart, Shire is considering a bid for NJ-based NPS Pharmaceuticals.
- One reason that Shire is interested in NPS is because this acquisition would allow Shire to expand its presence in rare disease therapeutics.
- The timing may be contingent upon the approval of NPS's Natpara, which is intended to treat hypoparathyroidism.
Dive Insight:
Ireland-based Shire is on a mission to grow, both organically based on the strength of its pipeline and via acquisition. With the $1.64 billion break-up fee that Shire received from AbbVie after the deal fell apart, the company is in an even better position to consider strategic acquisitions, such as the NPS deal.
Acquisition of NPS would enhance Shire's portfolio, giving the copmany a stronger position in endocrine and gastrointestinal diseases—both areas where there continues to be significant unmet medical needs. Shire has previously expressed its desire to continue to be a big competitor in the rare diseases field.