Aspen, GlaxoSmithKline deal

GlaxoSmithKline disclosed in its 2Q13 earnings that branded and generic drug supplier Aspen offered to acquire injectable anticoagulants Fraxiparine nadroparin and Arixtra fondaparinux and the related manufacturing site in Notre-Dame de Bondeville, France, for about £700 million ($1.1 billion). Last month, GSK announced that it received an undisclosed offer from Aspen to acquire worldwide rights, except for China, Pakistan and India, to the products. GSK has rights to the products from Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NYSE:SNY, Paris, France). Fraxiparine is low molecular weight heparin, and Arixtra is a synthetic Factor Xa inhibitor. For the six months ended June 30, GSK reported £113 million ($171.9 million) in Fraxiparine sales and £94 million ($143 million) in Arixtra sales. GSK declined to disclose details, and Aspen Pharmacare could not be reached (see BioCentury, April 19, 2004). ...