ANI Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Two NDAs from Merck for $75 Million

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced that it has agreed to acquire the NDAs for purified corticotropin gel and corticotropin zinc hydroxide from Merck (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada) for $75 million in cash and a percentage of future net sales.

ANI estimates that the current annual U.S. market for the products it is acquiring is approximately one billion dollars as evidenced by sales of H.P. Acthar® gel marketed by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. The acquisition is being funded through cash on hand and is subject to certain customary closing conditions.

Corticotropin gel is a purified corticotropin (ACTH) in a sterile solution of gelatin for prolonged activity. Corticotropin-zinc hydroxide (sterile corticotropin zinc hydroxide suspension USP) is a sterile aqueous suspension of purified corticotropin (ACTH) with zinc hydroxide for repository action.

The products are approved for various disease states including Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatic disorders, Dermatologic diseases, and a variety of Collagen, Ophthalmic, Respiratory diseases as well as Allergic and Edematous states.

As part of its acquisition strategy, ANI has determined to pursue the formation of one or more foreign subsidiaries to effect its acquisitions, manufacture products and/or provide other ancillary services. It is expected that this acquisition from Merck will be effected through one of such subsidiaries. It is anticipated that this will enable ANI to achieve a lower over-all tax rate for its operations.