AstraZeneca divests Myalept for $325m to Aegerion

Myalept is an orphan product indicated to treat complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy, a rare disease associated with the loss of fat tissue.

It is the first and only product approved in the US to treat generalized lipodystrophy and has orphan drug designation in the US, EU, and Japan.

As part of the deal, Aegerion will acquire the global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Myalept. This is in subject to an existing distributor licence with Shionogi covering Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

According to AstraZeneca, the transaction does not include the transfer of any of its employees or facilities.

AstraZeneca executive vice-president of Global Product and Portfolio Strategy Luke Miels said: "Generalised lipodystrophy is a rare condition with significant unmet medical need that can impact every aspect of a patient’s health.

"Myalept is the first therapy to provide a real option for treating complications of this disease and we are pleased that patients will benefit from its progress under Aegerion as a company with expertise in rare diseases.

"The divestment of Myalept reinforces our focus on core strategic priorities and will allow us to concentrate our resources on disease areas where we can make the biggest difference to patients."

Subject to closing conditions, including the receipt of antitrust clearance from the US Federal Trade Commission, the transaction is expected to be completed in January 2015.

Image: AstraZeneca headquarters in London, UK. Photo: courtesy of AstraZeneca plc.