Novo Nordisk acquires from Strongbridge BioPharma US and Canadian rights to Macrilen ,an oral treatmant for adult growth hormone deficiency .

Novo Nordisk has announced the expansion of its biopharm business with an agreement to acquire the US and Canadian rights to Macrilen (macimorelin), the first and only FDA-approved oral growth hormone receptor indicated for the diagnosis of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD), a rare endocrine disorder, from Strongbridge Biopharma Plc.

Diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency is time consuming and a considerable burden for both patients and health care providers. By enabling a fast and deeper roll out of Macrilen, Novo Nordisk can address a significant unmet medical need. Macrilen was approved by the FDA in December 2017 and FDA has granted Macrilen orphan drug exclusivity in the US. Macrilen was launched in the US in July 2018.

With the acquisition of Macrilen, Novo Nordisk can further leverage its long-standing scientific and commercial expertise and commitment to the growth disorders community. Novo Nordisk will pay $ 145 million to Strongbridge as well as tiered royalties related to sales of Macrilen. In addition, Strongbridge's current field organisation will continue to promote Macrilen in the US for up to three-year agreement. Novo Nordisk's existing biopharm field force will also support the commercialisation of Macrilen. As part of the partnership with Strongbridge, Novo Nordisk will acquire newly issued Strongbridge shares representing approximately 10% of the outst anding shares of Strongbridge at a share price of USD 7 per share, corresponding to an investment of approximately$ 37 million.