Zevra Therapeutics establishes its first European activities in Denmark
In May 2022, pharmaceutical company Zevra Therapeutics reached a definitive agreement with the Danish biotech company Orphazyme to acquire its sole experimental candidate, Arimoclomol. Zevra Therapeutics intends to retain the majority of Orphazyme’s current employees in pursuit of an approval of Arimoclomol as a treatment for NPC (Niemann-Pick disease type C).
The acquisition of Arimoclomol is a strategic decision from Zevra Therapeutics to expand its pipeline of treatments for rare central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Denmark’s biotech and pharma cluster has a global reputation for cutting-edge research, particularly in CNS, cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases. With the new Danish entity, Zevra Therapeutics has gained access to a hotspot for pioneering research and development as well as a world-class infrastructure for testing new medical treatments. Denmark has a strategic focus on offering the best conditions for R&D, including clinical trials. The continuous optimization and governmental commitment to clinical trials in Denmark make it increasingly favourable for a company such as Zevra Therapeutics.Chief Financial Officer of Zevra Therapeutics, LaDuane Clifton, already sees a big potential in the Danish entity for accessing European research and development activities and is hoping to expand Zevra Therapeutics’s presence in Denmark.
“We are thrilled to be part of Denmark’s thriving life science sector that has established a reputation for cutting edge research, particularly in the central nervous system. The acquisition of arimoclomol aligns perfectly with our strategy to build Zevra Therapeutics’s value via the advancement and commercialization of novel treatments that address rare CNS conditions, including our lead clinical candidate, KP1077 in idiopathic hypersomnia.”
About Zevra Therapeutics
Zevra Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Florida, USA, focused on discovery, development and commercialization of novel treatments for rare central nervous system (CNS) and neurodegenerative diseases, liposomal storage disorders and related treatment areas. Founded in 2006, Zevra Therapeutics has offices in several locations across the US. The acquisition of Orphazyme’s activities is the first international expansion.
Niemann-Pick is a rare, progressive and inherited disease that affects the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells.
Support from Invest in Denmark
Invest in Denmark has assisted Zevra Therapeutics with information on the Danish life science ecosystem, establishing contact to relevant service providers and helped understand business and framework conditions. Invest in Denmark is in continuous dialogue with Zevra Therapeutics in order to inform about opportunities within the CNS space in Denmark.
“We are excited to welcome Zevra Therapeutics to Denmark and to see the activities of Orphazyme sustained within the borders of Denmark. Zevra Therapeutics is a great addition to our ecosystem and will contribute to make the Danish life science cluster one of the strongest in the world.”