Shire Pharmaceuticals pleased with new NPS drug approval

Shire Pharmaceuticals is currently in the process of completing its acquisition of NPS Pharmaceuticals, which has received approval for the development of its Natpara drug.

The US Food and Drug Administration has accepted NPS Pharmaceuticals' application for the manufacturing of Natpara, which is designed to treat hyperparathyroidism – a condition that can lead to kidney and soft tissue damage, as well as the development of cataracts in the eyes.

Vitamins can help to control the calcium levels of some patients, keeping their hyperparathyroidism in check, but Natpara will provide an alternative to those who do not respond to the supplements, in the form of a once-daily injection.

However, some potential side effects related to the drug have been discovered during trials on rats, such as possible signs of bone cancer, meaning the medication will only be available following extensive risk evaluations.

Chief executive officer of Shire Flemming Ornskov commented: "The Natpara label is in line with our expectations and we believe this approval further validates Shire's decision to acquire NPS Pharma."

Shire is set to purchase NPS in a $5.2 billion (3.4 billion pounds) acquisition deal, which is expected to be finalised during the first quarter of 2015.