Alexion acquires technology for MoCD therapy

Connecticut-based Alexion Pharmaceutical has continued on its recent push to expand and widen its portfolio with the acquisition of patents and assets from German company, Orphatec Pharmaceuticals, for a therapy to treat molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCD) Type A.

MoCD Type A is an ultra-rare metabolic disease affecting newborns in which a genetic deficiency of cPMP causes a deficiency of molybdenum cofactor which in turn leads to catastrophic brain damage, with survival generally measured in weeks or months.

The investigational therapy is designed to replace the deficient cPMP, which enables MoCD production, so that the infant’s body can eliminate the toxic sulfite.

The deal with Orphatec, a privately held development-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Cologne, Germany, took place for an undisclosed amount.

Alexion also announced the establishment of research collaboration with key MoCD researchers from Orphatec to accelerate development of the investigational therapy.

Earlier this month, Alexion acquired Taligen Therapeutics, which is developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, for an upfront payment of $111 million, along with potential milestone payments.