US-based ZS Pharma develops and commercializes highly selective, non-absorbed drugs for the treatment of renal, cardiovascular, liver and metabolic disorders.
The company employs about 200 people across three sites in California, Texas and Colorado.
AstraZeneca will pay $90 a share to secure ZS Pharma’s technology to develop novel treatments for hyperkalaemia, or high potassium levels.
ZS Pharma’s ZS-9 treatment is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration and is expected to generate sales of over $1bn a year if approved.
The ZS-9 insoluble, non-absorbed zirconium silicate traps potassium ions with its three-dimensional crystalline lattice structure.
The potassium selectivity of ZS-9 allows high in-vitro binding capacity for potassium ions even if there are competing ions.
In a long-term safety and efficacy study, ZS-9 lowered serum potassium, maintained normokalemia, and was well tolerated for about 52 weeks.
AstraZeneca said ZS-9 fits with its increased focus on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic heart failure (CHF), two disorders with which hyperkalemia is associated.
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said: "Hyperkalaemia can be a life-threatening condition for patients with chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure, however the risk is underappreciated and prevalence is increasing.
"This acquisition complements our strategic focus on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease by adding a potential best-in-class treatment to our portfolio of innovative medicines."
Image: AstraZeneca headquarters, London, UK. Photo: courtesy of AstraZeneca.