Novartis buys Ziarco Group

Novartis has entered into a definitive agreement to buy a privately held company Ziarco Group Limited, focused on producing dermatology treatments.

This acquisition would add a once-daily oral H4 receptor antagonist in development for atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, to Novartis’s dermatology portfolio which already includes Cosentyx (secukinumab) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and Xolair (omalizumab) for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Ziarco’s lead investigational product, ZPL389, is a potential first-in-class oral treatment for moderate-to-severe eczema.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. The financial details of this transaction are not disclosed.

“There is an unmet need for innovative, effective and safe oral treatment options for people living with eczema,” said Vasant Narasimhan, Global Head, Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. “We are proud of our dermatology capabilities shown by the recent successful launches of Cosentyx and Xolair. Now we’re excited about a potential new medicine for people with eczema through the acquisition of Ziarco and the addition of a first-in-class oral H4 receptor antagonist to our growing pipeline.”