EPIRUS Biopharmaceuticals said today it has acquired Bioceros Holding for $14.1 million, in a deal intended to expand the buyer’s biosimilar pipeline and capabilities.

The acquisition adds to EPIRUS’ pipeline three preclinical product candidates: BOW080, a proposed biosimilar to eculizumab (reference biologic Soliris®); BOW090, a proposed biosimilar to ustekinumab (reference biologic STELARA®); and BOW100, a proposed biosimilar to golimumab (reference biologic SIMPONI®).

Soliris, marketed by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, is now indicated for ultra-rare blood disorders, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).  SIMPONI and STELARA are marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and indicated in inflammatory and immune mediated disorders.

The anticipated filing dates for the three new pipeline products are 2020 for BOW080, 2021 for BOW090 and 2022 for BOW100.

According to EvaluatePharma data compiled last month by EPIRUS, the three pipeline candidates represent a global growth opportunity since their reference biologics are estimated to generate combined 2020 peak sales of $12 billion.

The three join EPIRUS’ current pipeline of biosimilar product candidates, which includes BOW015 (infliximab, reference biologic Remicade®); BOW050 (adalimumab, reference biologic Humira®); BOW070 (tocilizumab, reference biologic Actemra®); BOW080 (eculizumab, reference biologic Soliris®); BOW090 (ustekinumab, reference biologic STELARA®); and BOW100 (golimumab, reference biologic SIMPONI®)

Bioceros is a privately held, Netherlands-based biopharma R&D company focused on developing monoclonal antibodies and generating GMP-ready cell lines. Over the past decade, Bioceros has developed numerous biosimilar cell lines from its CHO platform (CHOBC®).

EPIRUS agreed to pay $14.1 million in cash and stock over a one-year period for Bioceros.

“Building a focused, sustainable and profitable biosimilar business requires capabilities for efficient pipeline growth.  With this in mind, we are excited to welcome Bioceros and their world-class capabilities and expertise,” Amit Munshi, EPIRUS’ president and CEO, said in a statement. “Together, we will continue working to improve patient access to important, cost-effective medicines worldwide.”

He said the companies’ combined biosimilar pipeline targets reference biologics with sales of $29 billion, “which we estimate to be a biosimilar market opportunity of more than $9 billion.”

Added Bram Bout, Ph.D., Bioceros CEO and chairman of the management board: “Having worked with EPIRUS as a partner over the last several years, we believe strongly in the Company’s vision and their ability to execute.”

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