Spotight on Shire
Shire is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company traditionally focused on the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gastrointestinal disorders. In 2005, Shire completed the acquisition of Transkaryotic Therapies, broadening the company’s focus into the treatment of genetic and renal diseases. In 2007, Shire purchased New River Pharmaceuticals leading to a significant expansion of Shire’s ADHD product portfolio and pipeline. The company’s headquarters are based in the UK, however, during its 20 years of operation, Shire has established a significant presence throughout Europe and in the US.

In the last five years, Shire has spent over US$8 billion on acquisitions which have seen the company considerably expand its global presence and areas of interest. Most importantly, these acquisitions have added four key products to a portfolio that was becoming dated and facing threats to its intellectual property. The addition of Vyvanse (from New River Pharmaceuticals) will help further cement the company’s position as a leader in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; traditionally Shire’s strongest field). Meanwhile, the additions of Replagal and Elaprase (both from Transkaryotic Therapeutics) have expanded Shire’s specialty centred business into the treatment of genetic diseases. Furthermore, Dynepo (also from TKT) has recently been launched and sees Shire enter the field of renal diseases.

During 2006, Shire reached a key settlement with Barr Pharmaceuticals. The two companies had been involved in patent litigation over Adderall XR, Shire’s top-selling product, which has patent protection until 2019. The agreement between the two companies allows Barr to launch its generic Adderall XR product ten years prior to patent expiry, however, it should prevent further patent challenges and limit generic competition until 2019. A key component of this agreement was the granting of a licence to Shire to begin developing Duramed Pharmaceuticals’ (a subsidiary of Barr) new oral contraceptive, Seasonique, as well as five other products, which utilise Duramed’s transvaginal ring technology. With this licence, Shire could begin to move into yet another new key area of interest, women’s health, further expanding what was previously a very limited product portfolio.

Therefore, Shire has radically overhauled its corporate profile and expanded the scope of its operations. Current key products are forecast to achieve strong growth within our forecast period, whilst Shire has two more products currently awaiting approval (Intuniv and SPD465) which are expected to become key products for the company. Should the company refrain from further acquisitions in the near future, Shire’s strong sales growth should see it rapidly return to profit by fiscal 2008.

Find out more about Shire in 4D Pharma's recently-updated intelligence report.

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Biopharmaceuticals driving growth for Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a biotech-based healthcare company with the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, it has a leading position in haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. It is currently expanding into the new therapeutic areas of cancer and inflammation. Its products are marketed in 179 countries.

As a focused healthcare company and world leader in diabetes care, Novo Nordisk is committed to maintaining its strong position in this field, which builds on more than 80 years experience. Its diabetes strategy is based on the industry's broadest portfolio of insulin analogues and injection devices, together with cutting-edge research and a wide range of partnerships.

The biopharmaceuticals business is an increasing growth driver for the company, currently fuelled by NovoSeven. Novo Nordisk intends to build a broader biopharmaceuticals business, with new business areas focusing on immunotherapy in cancer and inflammation. The company already has a number of projects in early-phase development in these areas, but they are unlikely to significantly contribute to its business within the next ten years. However, to accelerate this process Novo Nordisk is establishing the technology platform and strengthening the skills base required, both in-house and with partners.

Novo Nordisk is working to create a culture of innovation throughout its entire organisation. It recently conducted a review of its capacity to innovate and as a result, a number of projects have been selected for future development. It has previously developed a new technology for prolonging the duration of insulin, which has been used in the development of the insulin analogue, Levemir, and liraglutide. The technology has the potential to be applicable to any biopharmaceutical compound.

Novo Nordisk plans to expand its sales and marketing activities, particularly in the US and Chinese markets.

In this new report, 4D Pharma provides a complete and critical review of the company and includes unique and independent assessments and forecasts of key products.

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