Shire buys rights to Metazym for $135M

UK drugmaker Shire has acquired the global rights to arylsulfatase-A, an enzyme replacement therapy now in Phase I/II clinical trials for metachromatic leukodystrophy from the Danish company Zymenex A/S.

Shire will make a payment of $135.0 million for worldwide rights to the product - currently known by the trade name Metazym - on completion of the transaction, which is conditional upon the receipt of customary consents. Zymenex is also providing certain transition services, including know-how transfer, for up to six months after completion. The agreement includes no royalties or other downstream payment obligations, says Shire.