Shire agrees deal to expand Cinryze manufacturing capabilities

Shire has entered into a new agreement with Sanquin Blood Supply, the manufacturer of its Cinryze therapy, to expand production capacity of the drug.

The company has agreed to provide Shire with access to its manufacturing technology and will allow it to source additional manufacturers to meet the growing demand for Cinryze, which has become one of Shire's top-selling products.

It is used for the prophylactic treatment of hereditary angioedema, a rare genetic disease characterised by recurrent swelling of the skin or mucous membranes, which can be disfiguring, painful and potentially life-threatening.

When Shire acquired ViroPharma in January 2014, it inherited an arrangement under which Sanquin was the exclusive manufacturer for this product.

Dr Flemming Ornskov, chief executive officer of Shire, said: "We're pleased that Sanquin was open to expanding our partnership and agreeing to support us as we increase production options for this important therapy."

The new deal will involve milestone-based payments to Sanquin, with a planned technical transfer to a second source manufacturer among the key goals.