Alfasigma to Acquire Nordic Pharma in Global Expansion

Alfasigma S.p.A. has agreed to acquire Nordic Pharma, a specialty pharmaceutical company with operations across Europe, Canada and Japan, in a move that will expand Alfasigma’s rheumatology business and strengthen its international presence.

Under the agreement, Alfasigma will purchase 100% of the shares of Nordic Group B.V., the parent company of Nordic Pharma, and its subsidiaries from SEVER Life Sciences B.V. The transaction is expected to add new products, commercial operations and specialist employees to Alfasigma’s business.

The deal will bring Nordic Pharma’s rheumatoid arthritis portfolio into Alfasigma’s existing rheumatology business. A key part of the portfolio is Nordimet®, a methotrexate product used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Alfasigma already has a presence in inflammatory diseases through its Jyseleca® franchise.

The acquisition will also increase Alfasigma’s direct commercial operations. Nordic Pharma has direct operations in 18 countries across Europe, as well as commercial platforms in Canada and Japan. This wider network will give Alfasigma access to new markets and strengthen its ability to serve patients and healthcare professionals internationally.

In addition to its rheumatology products, Nordic Pharma has medicines and commercial activities in women’s health, critical care and ophthalmology. These businesses will also become part of Alfasigma following the completion of the transaction.

The deal will also add 265 employees to Alfasigma. These employees have specialist knowledge and experience across pharmaceutical development, commercial operations and other areas of the healthcare business.

The transaction is still subject to standard closing conditions, including any regulatory approvals that may be required. The companies did not provide financial details of the agreement.

Alfasigma said the acquisition supports its strategy of growing through mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on specialty and rare diseases. The company is particularly interested in gastroenterology and immunology, where it sees significant unmet medical needs.

The Nordic Pharma acquisition follows several other steps by Alfasigma to strengthen its specialty pharmaceutical portfolio. These include the acquisition of Jyseleca®, a treatment used in inflammatory diseases, and a licensing agreement with GSK for linerixibat.

Linerixibat is being developed for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus, a condition that causes severe itching in adults with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

Francesco Balestrieri, Chief Executive Officer of Alfasigma, said the company is focused on finding opportunities that can strengthen its global specialty and rare disease business. He said the Nordic Pharma transaction will increase Alfasigma’s presence in Europe and expand its rheumatology portfolio.

The companies also highlighted the potential benefits of bringing their teams and expertise together. Charlotte Phelps, CEO of Nordic Group B.V., said Alfasigma is a suitable partner for Nordic Pharma as the company enters its next stage of growth.

The acquisition reflects the growing focus among pharmaceutical companies on specialty medicines and established commercial products. By adding Nordic Pharma’s portfolio and international operations, Alfasigma aims to increase its reach in key healthcare markets while strengthening its position in rheumatology.

For Nordic Pharma, the deal will provide a new ownership structure and access to Alfasigma’s broader international organization. For Alfasigma, the acquisition adds an established pharmaceutical business, experienced employees and commercial operations across several important markets.

Once the required conditions and regulatory clearances are completed, Nordic Pharma will become part of Alfasigma. The transaction is expected to support Alfasigma’s long-term plans to build a larger international specialty pharmaceutical business and expand its presence in areas where patients continue to have significant unmet medical needs.