#Spain #Barcelona #ESTEVE #Caprelsa #Vandetanib

ESTEVE's Strategic Acquisition of Caprelsa®

In a significant move to enhance its pharmaceutical portfolio, ESTEVE has entered into an agreement with Sanofi to acquire rights for Caprelsa® (vandetanib), a critical treatment for aggressive forms of medullary thyroid cancer. This acquisition, which extends across more than 50 countries, showcases ESTEVE's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs and expanding its presence in international markets.

Understanding Caprelsa® and Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Caprelsa® (vandetanib) is a targeted therapy indicated for the treatment of aggressive medullary thyroid carcinoma in both adults and children aged over five years. Medullary thyroid cancer arises from the parafollicular C-cells in the thyroid and is known for its potential aggressiveness and the production of calcitonin. Vandetanib, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, works by interfering with enzyme activity associated with cancer cell growth. This mechanism helps reduce blood supply to cancer cells, thereby slowing cancer progression.

José María Giménez-Arnau, the Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at ESTEVE, emphasizes the rarity of medullary thyroid tumors and the critical role of medical advancements in treating these conditions. While surgical intervention remains the primary treatment, vandetanib serves as an essential option for patients whose cancer is advanced or for whom surgery is not feasible. Its ability to slow or partially reverse tumor growth underscores the importance of this drug in therapy regimens.

ESTEVE’s Commitment to Rare Diseases

This acquisition marks yet another step in ESTEVE's ongoing strategy to become a leader in treating rare and ultra-rare diseases. Earlier in 2024, they expanded their portfolio by acquiring a company specializing in endocrinology and onco-endocrinology, adding three new medications for conditions like endogenous Cushing syndrome and adrenal cortical carcinoma.

In addition, ESTEVE recently licensed a biological product intended for treating severe primary growth factor deficiency in children and adolescents aged 2 to 18. This diversification reinforces ESTEVE’s stake in specialized healthcare, focusing on treatments previously lacking adequate options.

Jacob Tolstrup, ESTEVE's Chief Commercial Officer, remarked on the significance of incorporating Caprelsa® into their offerings. The strategic acquisition aligns perfectly with their vision to provide highly specialized therapies that address significant medical needs.

The Road Ahead

As ESTEVE prepares to integrate Caprelsa® into their global operations, regulatory approvals will be a crucial step in finalizing this transaction. Their expansion strategy is clearly oriented towards addressing pressing health challenges, particularly within the oncology field.

By fortifying its product lineup with Caprelsa®, ESTEVE is poised to make impactful contributions to patient care, facilitating improved outcomes for individuals diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma. The emphasis on innovative therapies reflects not only business acumen but also a deep commitment to enhancing patient quality of life.

In conclusion, ESTEVE's acquisition of Caprelsa® symbolizes a noteworthy advancement in its international growth trajectory, emphasizing the company's dedication to advancing care for patients with unmet medical needs. This acquisition not only enriches its therapeutic arsenal but also sets the stage for ESTEVE's evolutionary journey in the pharmaceutical landscape.