Shire to Add Manufacturing Capacity for Cinryze

Shire announced on Aug. 25, 2015 that it has entered into an agreement with its manufacturing partner for Cinryze (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]), Sanquin Blood Supply, to allow Shire to use other manufacturers in addition to Sanquin to produce enough drug to meet increasing demand. Cinryze is indicated for hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic disease characterized by recurrent sudden attacks of swelling of the skin or the mucous membranes.

“We wanted the freedom to operate and expand in a way that makes strategic sense for our business,” said Flemming Ornskov, MD, CEO of Shire, in a press release. “When Shire acquired ViroPharma in January 2014, we inherited an arrangement under which Sanquin was the exclusive manufacturer for Cinryze. We’re pleased that Sanquin was open to expanding our partnership and agreeing to support us as we increase production options for this important therapy.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanquin will receive royalty payments if certain milestones are met, including the successful technical transfer to a second-source manufacturer.

Source: Shire