AstraZeneca poised to acquire ZS Pharma

ZS Pharma is set to be acquired by AstraZeneca, according to announcement today from AstraSeneca.

“This agreement will allow us to maximize the potential of ZS-9, drawing on AstraZeneca’s long-standing expertise in developing and commercializing medicines for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases,” ZS Pharma  Chief Executive Officer Robert Alexander said. “We look forward to joining AstraZeneca and to working together to bring this important treatment for hyperkalaemia to the global market, helping to meet an important unmet medical need for patients.”

ZS Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company known for its ion-trap abilities. The technology would develop treatments for high potassium levels in the bloodstream. AstraZeneca will benefit from the acquisition by being provided access to potassium compound, ZS-9.

“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,” AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said. “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. We look forward to welcoming the ZS Pharma team to AstraZeneca.”

AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.