Shire

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Shire was a global biotechnology company focused on serving individuals with rare diseases and other highly specialized conditions. Founded in 1986 in the United Kingdom, Shire grew through a series of mergers and acquisitions to become one of the world's largest biotech companies. It was known for its development and marketing of medicines in areas including hematology, immunology, neuroscience, lysosomal storage disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and hereditary angioedema. Shire was acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company in January 2019.

History

Shire was established in 1986 by entrepreneurs who aimed to address unmet medical needs. The company initially focused on supplements for calcium deficiency and expanded its portfolio through the development of new drugs and acquisitions. Notable milestones in Shire's history include the acquisition of Richwood Pharmaceutical Company in 1997, which brought the ADHD medication Adderall into its product line, and the acquisition of Transkaryotic Therapies in 2005, which expanded its range into the treatment of rare genetic diseases.

In the following years, Shire continued to grow, acquiring companies such as NPS Pharmaceuticals, Dyax Corp, and Baxalta, significantly expanding its reach in the rare disease market. The acquisition of Baxalta in 2016, in particular, positioned Shire as a leader in rare diseases and biotechnology.

Products

Shire's product portfolio was diverse, covering treatments for conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Hunter syndrome, and Hereditary Angioedema. Some of its most well-known products included Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), an ADHD medication; Cinryze and Firazyr for the treatment of hereditary angioedema; and Elaprase for the treatment of Hunter syndrome.

Acquisition by Takeda

In January 2019, Shire was acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, a Japanese pharmaceutical giant, in a deal valued at approximately $62 billion. This acquisition was part of Takeda's strategy to become a leader in specialized pharmaceuticals and rare diseases, as well as to expand its geographic footprint. Following the acquisition, Shire's operations were integrated into Takeda's, marking the end of Shire as an independent entity.

Impact and Legacy

Shire's legacy lies in its focus on rare diseases and conditions that are often overlooked by larger pharmaceutical companies. Its commitment to developing treatments for underserved patient populations has had a significant impact on the lives of many individuals around the world. The acquisition by Takeda is expected to continue this legacy, with a strong pipeline of potential new treatments for rare diseases.