Shire reports Firazyr approval for Jerini

Shire has reported that Jerini has received marketing authorisation for its lead compound Firazyr (icatibant) as a treatment for acute attacks of hereditary angiodema.

Firazyr is a first-in-class compound that operates by blocking the B2 receptor as an antagonist to the peptide-hormone bradykinin, which has been shown to be elevated in patients with hereditary angiodema and responsible for edema forming in attacks of the condition.

Earlier this month, Shire announced its Maia Elfte Vermogensverwaltungs subsidiary, which will be renamed Shire Deutschland Investments, has launched a voluntary public takeover for all the shares in Jerini.

Sylvie Gregoire, president of human genetic therapies at Shire, said: “We are very pleased that European approval has been granted to Jerini today.

“This is an important step in bringing this first in class orphan treatment to patients who suffer from hereditary angiodema attacks.”

He added the company is anticipating the completion of its transaction with Jerini which will enable the firms to cooperate and develop Firazyr into a global gold-standard treatment.

Last month, Shire Pharmaceuticals appointed Graham Hetherington as the new chief financial officer of the firm, following the promotion of former CFO Angus Russell to chief executive officer.