GlaxoSmithKline to sell thrombosis brands to Aspen

GlaxoSmithKline has announced the sale of its thrombosis brands Arixtra and Fraxiparine to the South African pharmaceuticals company Aspen.

The 700 million pound deal – of which 100 million pounds relates to inventory – includes the sale of the related Notre-Dame de Bondeville manufacturing site, with the vast majority of jobs to be preserved under the terms of the transaction.

Aspen will acquire global rights to the Arixtra and Fraxiparine brands, excluding China, India and Pakistan, with the majority of commercial operations to transfer to Aspen by the end of 2013 and the remainder to move across in the first half of next year.

This comes as part of GlaxoSmithKline's ongoing efforts to increase its focus on products with the most growth potential and the delivery of its late-stage pipeline.

David Redfern, chief strategy officer at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "Aspen is a long-term partner of GlaxoSmithKline and will be able to dedicate the resources that these products deserve to take them forward."

This follows the company's sale of the Lucozade and Ribena brands to the Japanese company Suntory Beverage and Food last month.