Lupin scoops up women's health specialist Symbiomix for $150 million

The US arm of Mumbai’s Lupin Pharmaceuticals has announced that it is has acquired US-based gynaecologic treatment specialist Symbiomix Therapeutics for $150 million in a move to double down on its offerings in the women’s health market.

The deal comprises an upfront payment of $50 million in addition to a number of time-based and performance-based milestone payments, all funded from internal funds. "The acquisition of Symbiomix and Solosec franchise significantly expands Lupin's branded women's health specialty business, which is presently anchored by Methergine tablets," the company said of the deal.

Solosec, Symbiomix’s key offering, is an oral granule treatment of bacterial vaginosis, approved by the FDA in September his year and expected to hit the market by mid-2018, with at least ten years of exclusivity in the US thanks to its designation as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP).  

"This transaction is an important milestone in the evolution of our specialty business and gives Lupin a new therapeutic to bring to obstetricians and gynaecologists to treat a serious health condition they see frequently in their practices," commented Vinita Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Lupin.

The move from Lupin represents a step forward in its drive to pursue expansion of its speciality drugs portfolio in the US, a strategy which has seen the company recently shift focus onto the areas of women’s health, paediatrics and neurology.