GSK acquires drugs and plant from Sanofi-Aventis
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has acquired, on a worldwide basis, the injectable anti-thrombotic agents Fraxiparine, Fraxodi and Arixtra and related assets including a manufacturing facility located in Notre-Dame de Bondeville, France from Sanofi-Aventis.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has acquired, on a worldwide basis, the injectable anti-thrombotic agents Fraxiparine, Fraxodi and Arixtra and related assets including a manufacturing facility located in Notre-Dame de Bondeville, France from Sanofi-Aventis.
As part of this transaction, GSK assumes responsibility for ongoing Arixtra clinical trials. The closing of this divestiture transaction follows Sanofi-Synthelabo's successful completion of its offer for Aventis, after obtaining the requisite clearances from EU and US competition authorities.
Fraxiparine (nadroparine calcium) is a low molecular weight Heparin and Arixtra (fondaparinux sodium) is a selective factor Xa inhibitor. Sales of Fraxiparine were €319m in 2003. World-wide sales of Arixtra were €24m in 2003.
The manufacturing facility located in Notre-Dame de Bondeville, France, is engaged mainly in the manu-facture of Fraxiparine and Arixtra injectable products. This facility employs approximately 650 people.
Pharmaceuticals Europe president, Andrew Witty said: 'We are very pleased with this acquisition. These are great products which will provide GSK with good commercial opportunities and help strengthen our portfolio in the hospital business.'