Press Release

Sucampo Acquires Vtesse

April 12, 2017

San Diego – April 12, 2017 – Cooley advised Sucampo Pharmaceuticals on its acquisition of rare disease biotech firm Vtesse for $200 million in cash and stock in upfront payments and contingent payments based on net sales of the acquired product. The purchase provides Sucampo access to VTS-270, a product candidate undergoing study for the treatment of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1 (NPC).

“We welcome the employees of Vtesse to our team and look forward to accelerating the global development of VTS-270 in the hopes of bringing this novel treatment to patients afflicted by Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1 in the US and around the globe,” said Sucampo chairman and CEO Peter Greenleaf in a company-issued press release.

Vtesse and Sucampo intend to establish a foundation to support research related to NPC. Subject to finalizing the terms of the foundation, Vtesse’s equity holders have set aside a portion of the transaction proceeds to contribute to the foundation. Sucampo intends to match the Vtesse shareholder contribution from its corporate funds.

Sucampo, which trades on The NASDAQ Global Market as “SCMP,” is focused on the development and commercialization of medicines that meet major unmet medical needs of patients worldwide. In 2015, Cooley advised Sucampo on its acquisition of R-Tech Ueno.

About Cooley LLP

Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation, where innovation meets the law.

Cooley has 900 lawyers across 12 offices in the United States, China and Europe.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only, and your access or use of the content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you or your organization and Cooley LLP, Cooley (UK) LLP, or any other affiliated practice or entity (collectively referred to as “Cooley”). By accessing this content, you agree that the information provided does not constitute legal or other professional advice. This content is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction and you should not act or refrain from acting based on this content. This content may be changed without notice. It is not guaranteed to be complete, correct or up to date, and it may not reflect the most current legal developments. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Do not send any confidential information to Cooley, as we do not have any duty to keep any information you provide to us confidential. This content may be considered Attorney Advertising and is subject to our legal notices.