ESTEVE Expands US Presence by Acquiring Infusion Specialty Therapies from TerSera Therapeutics
ESTEVE Expands Its US Presence through Strategic Acquisition
In a significant move to enhance its foothold in the United States, ESTEVE, a global pharmaceutical company based in Barcelona, has announced the acquisition of TerSera Therapeutics' Infusion Specialty Therapies (IST) division. This deal, formalized on January 13, 2026, aims to enrich ESTEVE's portfolio with two specialized market products: Prialt® and Quzyttir®.
A Focus on Specialized Medications
Prialt® (Ziconotid) is notable for being the only FDA-approved non-opioid medication used for treating severe chronic pain in adult patients who are not responsive to other treatments, including systemic analgesics or intrathecal morphine. ESTEVE currently markets Prialt® in Europe, and this acquisition allows for a greater presence in the US market.
Quzyttir® (Cetirizine hydrochloride injection) stands out as the first and only injectable second-generation H1-antihistamine approved by the FDA for treating acute urticaria (hives) in both adults and children aged six months and older. Through this acquisition, ESTEVE gains global rights to Quzyttir® in all territories except for China and consolidates its rights for Prialt®.
Strength in Expertise
Staffan Schüberg, CEO of ESTEVE, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the talented IST team from TerSera into the ESTEVE family. Schüberg emphasized that this acquisition aligns perfectly with the company's strategic vision of offering highly specialized solutions to medical needs that remain largely unmet. The addition of Quzyttir® strengthens ESTEVE's expertise in specialized therapies and accelerates its expansion into the US, arguably the world's largest pharmaceutical market.
Edward Donovan, CEO of TerSera, echoed similar sentiments, noting that ESTEVE’s long-standing partnership for Prialt® in Europe has positioned them as the ideal new owner for the IST division. He believes the acquisition will provide a strong platform for these therapies to flourish while TerSera focuses on its core areas of oncology and rare diseases.
Building on Existing Growth
The acquisition marks a pivotal development in ESTEVE's growth trajectory in the US, following its 2024 acquisition of a company specializing in rare and ultra-rare diseases related to endocrinology and onco-endocrinology. Moreover, ESTEVE's specialized portfolio has been further enhanced through subsequent expansions, which included licensing for an innovative biological product aimed at treating severe primary insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency in children and teenagers aged 2 to 18.
The company is also investigating other therapies for treating aggressive forms of medullary thyroid cancer in both adults and children over five years old. These strategic acquisitions not only serve to broaden ESTEVE's product offerings but also demonstrate its commitment to addressing significant medical needs across various therapeutic areas.
Future Prospects
The completion of this transaction is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals. ESTEVE has engaged Perella Weinberg Partners as its financial advisor for this acquisition, while Arnold & Porter serves as legal counsel. For TerSera, Leerink Partners acted as the lead financial advisor, with Kirkland & Ellis LLP providing legal support.
As ESTEVE embarks on this exciting journey, the acquisition of TerSera's IST division signifies not only a strategic expansion in the US but also a commitment to enhancing the lives of patients suffering from chronic conditions and allergy-related issues. With a strong foundation in innovative therapeutics, ESTEVE is poised for continued success in the competitive pharmaceutical sector.