Retrophin Completes Purchase of Drugmaker Manchester Pharmaceuticals

New York-based start-up Retrophin has completed its $62.5 million takeover of Manchester Pharmaceuticals, adding two FDA-approved products — Chenodal and Vecamyl — to its portfolio.

Chenodal (chenodeoxycholic acid) is indicated for use in elderly patients suffering from gallstones where surgery poses a high risk due to disease or advanced age. Retrophin said it will pursue FDA approval for an expanded indication to treat cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), a rare inborn error of bile acid metabolism. The agency granted Chenodal an orphan drug designation to treat CTX in 2010.

The other drug acquired with Manchester, Vecamyl (mecamylamine HCI tablets) is approved for the management of moderately severe to severe essential hypertension and uncomplicated cases of malignant hypertension.

“The acquisition of Manchester Pharmaceuticals is a transformative event for Retrophin, as we are now a commercial company with two FDA-approved products on the market, said Martin Shkreli, CEO of Retrophin. — Nick Otto

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