Rare diseases, Angelini pharma evaluates acquisition of Catalyst

Angelini pharma is aiming for further growth in the US and in treatments for rare diseases related to the nervous system, where it already has an important international position. According to Bloomberg news agency, sources close to the dossier report that negotiations are underway between the Italian pharmaceutical company and US-listed biopharmaceutical company Catalyst pharmaceuticals.

Discussions are reportedly still at a preliminary stage and both companies have issued a flat no comment on the rumours. Catalyst Pharma, led by CEO Rich Daly, was founded in 2002 and is a biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for patients suffering from rare diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. It is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and its value has risen sharply over time: Catalyst's shares have risen 24% in the last 12 months, bringing the company's market capitalisation to around $3.6 billion.

A note from Angelini pharma states that the company "does not comment on rumours or market rumours, the evaluation of growth opportunities is an integral part of the company's strategy". In this regard, 'Angelini pharma has on several occasions communicated its intention to look at global expansion strategies and will continue to pursue this strategy with the aim of strengthening the group's positioning and ensuring the best solutions for patients'. The pharmaceutical company, which is part of Angelini industries, has now achieved a clear international positioning: it researches, develops and markets health solutions to significantly improve people's quality of life and is controlled by the fourth generation of the family of the same name. It operates with a particular focus in the areas of Brain Health (which includes Mental Health and Epilepsy), Specialty and Primary Care and Consumer Healthcare, directly in 20 countries and markets its products in 70, including Europe, North America, South America and Asia. The company relies on the work of more than 2,800 employees, spread across several strategic areas and committed to making their contribution on a daily basis. In 2024, the company recorded revenues of EUR 1,207.3 million (up 3.6% compared to the previous year), more than half of which, 50.6%, in international markets. According to the latest available data, Ebitda also increased to EUR 302.4 million, with an Ebitda margin of 25% (it was 22.8% in 2023). At the same time, the company's commitment to R&D is growing, which amounted to EUR 62 million in 2024.