Merz Therapeutics' $185M Asset Acquisition From Acorda Therapeutics

Merz Therapeutics has successfully acquired INBRIJA® (levodopa inhalation powder) and AMPYRA® (fampridine) along with related assets from Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) is FDA-approved in the United States and marketed as FAMPYRA in the European Union and other regions worldwide. This acquisition, completed through a court-supervised 363 sale under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, was valued at USD 185 million in cash. The deal strengthens Merz Therapeutics’ market position by expanding its offerings for Parkinson’s disease and entering the multiple sclerosis (MS) market.

Stefan König, CEO of Merz Therapeutics, “The addition of INBRIJA and (F)AMPYRA to the treatment portfolio underlines Merz Therapeutics’ global Pivot for Growth strategy to both evolve the current portfolio and achieve critical scale and global reach. Merz Therapeutics is well poised to build on what we have accomplished in the specialty neurology space, strengthening our market position in Parkinson’s disease and expanding into the MS segment. This deal demonstrates Merz Therapeutics’ interest and ability to acquire assets that will deliver greater, sustainable outcomes for more people living with neurological disorders.”

The acquisition of INBRIJA and (F)AMPYRA is expected to immediately boost topline revenue, enhancing Merz Therapeutics' capacity to accelerate the clinical development of its current and future assets. Over the next decade, the U.S. business is projected to generate more than 75% of the global revenues for INBRIJA and (F)AMPYRA. Additionally, Merz Therapeutics anticipates a more than 50% increase in its U.S. workforce.

INBRIJA represents a significant advancement for Parkinson's disease patients, offering an on-demand, inhalable form of levodopa that effectively manages "OFF" episodes. This innovative delivery method, made possible by the proprietary ARCUS® technology platform, provides rapid relief from symptoms that cannot be reliably achieved through oral intake. (F)AMPYRA is the first medication approved to improve walking in MS patients, demonstrating enhanced walking ability.

Stefan Albrecht, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, “Expanding the portfolio with INBRIJA, including plans for worldwide product roll-out, and (F)AMPYRA allows Merz Therapeutics the opportunity to leverage its experience in the specialty neurology space to serve even more patients living with neurological disorders and support the physicians who treat them. Because these treatments complement the company’s product portfolio and distribution system, we are well positioned to support patients who depend on these products seamlessly.”