ESTEVE Expands Its Portfolio with Acquisition of Caprelsa for Thyroid Cancer Treatment

ESTEVE Expands Its Portfolio with Acquisition of Caprelsa



In a significant development within the pharmaceutical sector, ESTEVE has finalized an agreement with Sanofi to acquire rights for Caprelsa® (vandetanib) across more than 50 countries. This acquisition marks a crucial milestone in ESTEVE's mission to address unmet medical needs, particularly in specialized treatment areas. Caprelsa is a targeted therapy designed for the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), a rare and aggressive form of cancer that arises from the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland which produce calcitonin.

Understanding Medullary Thyroid Cancer and the Role of Caprelsa


Medullary thyroid cancer is known for its unique properties, making its treatment more complex. It is categorized as a neuroendocrine tumor, and traditional therapies often leverage surgical intervention as the primary treatment modality. However, Caprelsa, as a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, provides a pivotal alternative by inhibiting the activity of tyrosine kinase, an enzyme that plays a significant role in cancer cell proliferation. By reducing the blood flow to these malignant cells, Caprelsa can effectively slow or even partially reverse tumor growth.

José María Giménez-Arnau, the Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at ESTEVE, emphasized the importance of this acquisition by stating, "Medullary thyroid cancer represents a rare but critical challenge for patients and healthcare providers alike. Surgical options, while important, often require adjunctive treatments to manage disease progression. Medications like vandetanib can play a significant role in this regard." This highlights ESTEVE's ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare providers in their efforts to improve patient health outcomes.

ESTEVE's Strategic Growth Initiatives


The acquisition of Caprelsa is poised to further ESTEVE's initiatives within the realm of specialized medicines. This strategic move follows the company's prior acquisition of a firm specializing in rare diseases linked to endocrinology and oncology in April 2024. This acquisition not only broadened ESTEVE's portfolio but also introduced three new treatments for conditions such as endogenous Cushing's syndrome and adrenocortical carcinoma, showing their dedication to tackling underrepresented medical issues.

Beyond this, ESTEVE continues to expand its reach in various therapeutic areas. Just last month, the company secured a license for a biological product aimed at treating children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 suffering from severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency. Such products are critical in addressing niche medical needs, which often remain overlooked in broader healthcare discussions.

Jacob Tolstrup, Chief Commercial Officer at ESTEVE, remarked on the acquisition of Caprelsa, stating, "We are proud to enhance our portfolio of specialized therapies. The addition of Caprelsa underscores our commitment to improving the lives of patients globally. This is another significant step in ESTEVE's international journey towards providing high-quality treatments for patients with high unmet medical needs."

The completion of this transaction is contingent upon standard regulatory approvals, which are anticipated to follow smoothly given the necessity of Caprelsa in the global market.

About ESTEVE


Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Barcelona, ESTEVE has established itself as a prominent player in the global pharmaceutical landscape. The company is dedicated to improving human health by delivering innovative therapies that address significant unmet medical requirements across various therapeutic areas. ESTEVE also provides comprehensive contract manufacturing services (CMO), producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in state-of-the-art facilities located in Spain, Mexico, and China.

The company is resolute in upholding its core values—people matter, transparency, and accountability—which remain central to its operations and strategic focus. Through initiatives like the acquisition of Caprelsa, ESTEVE reinforces its role as a vital contributor to the health and well-being of patients worldwide.

For additional inquiries:
  • - Irene Simón, Head of Global External Communications ESG, ESTEVE, +34 934 466 000, [email protected]
  • - Gemma Mestre, External Digital Communications Manager, ESTEVE, +34 934 466 000, [email protected]

Topics Health)

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