Baxter announces takeover of SuppreMol

Baxter has announced the acquisition of the German biopharmaceutical company SuppreMol in a deal worth 200 million euros (140.6 million pounds).

Based in Martinsried, SuppreMol specialises in developing treatment options for autoimmune and allergic diseases, including its lead candidate SM101, an investigational immunoregulatory treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and lupus.

Its research focuses on the modulation of Fc receptor signaling pathways, an immune target that could have broad applications in autoimmune disorders.

The deal includes SuppreMol's early-stage development portfolio of novel biologic immunoregulatory therapeutics for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, plus its operations in Munich.

Dr Ludwig Hantson, president of Baxter BioScience, said: "SuppreMol's portfolio of novel investigational treatments complements and builds upon our leading and differentiated immunology portfolio, offering the opportunity to expand into new areas with significant market potential and unmet medical needs in autoimmune diseases."

This deal will strengthen Baxter BioScience as it prepares to make the transition to becoming a standalone company called Baxalta later this year.