LEO Pharma to buy Astellas Pharma’s global dermatology portfolio

The Astellas dermatology portfolio consists of prescription and over-the-counter products, including Protopic, Locoid and Locobase, and Zineryt to treat eczema, acne and skin infections.

The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016, does not include any manufacturing facilities.

After completion, the deal is estimated to increase LEO Pharma’s annual turnover by over 20%.

LEO Pharma CEO and president Gitte Aabo said: "This is a historic milestone for LEO Pharma and will be instrumental in our efforts to help even more people living with skin diseases.

"With our expanded portfolio, we will be able to offer patients an even wider range of treatment solutions to meet their individual needs."

Astellas Pharma president and CEO Yoshihiko Hatanaka said: "We feel that dermatology patients around the world will be better served by transferring these products to LEO Pharma, a company with a strong focus on the dermatology therapeutic area."

Denmark-based LEO Pharma develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical drugs to dermatologic and thrombotic patients in over 100 countries.

The company has its own sales forces in 61 countries and employs about 4,800 people globally.

Earlier this year, LEO Pharma invested in privately owned SkinVision, a derma-focused mobile app company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Image: LEO Pharma has agreed to acquire Astellas Pharma’s global dermatology business. Photo: courtesy of LEO Pharma A/S.