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The deal gives BioMarin access to ALE1, a small-molecule drug in early-stage trials that could become the first oral therapy for hypophosphatasia
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BioMarin $BMRN Pharmaceutical announced Tuesday it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Alesta Therapeutics for $275 million upfront, plus up to $215 million in additional payments tied to development and regulatory milestones.
The acquisition centers on ALE1, an orally active small molecule being developed to treat hypophosphatasia, or HPP — a rare genetic bone disease caused by mutations in the ALPL gene. HPP can impair bone and tooth mineralization, leading to frequent fractures, early tooth loss, and, in adults, muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain. The company said the condition has been diagnosed in more than 9,000 Americans, though it is thought to be more widespread than current figures reflect.
