Shire (pharmaceutical company)

Shire plc was a British-founded biopharmaceutical company that became one of the pharmaceutical industry's leading companies, focusing on rare diseases and other highly specialized conditions. The company was established in 1986 and had its operational headquarters in Lexington, Massachusetts, United States. Shire was acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company in January 2019, in a deal valued at $62 billion, making it one of the largest pharma acquisitions at the time.

History

Shire was founded in 1986 by entrepreneurs who aimed to address unmet medical needs. The company initially focused on supplements but quickly pivoted to pharmaceuticals, specifically targeting rare diseases and conditions that were not adequately addressed by larger pharmaceutical companies. Over the years, Shire acquired several companies, expanding its portfolio and global presence. Notable acquisitions included the purchase of Baxalta in 2016, a company specializing in hematology, immunology, and oncology, which significantly bolstered Shire's position in the market for rare diseases.

Products

Shire's product line included treatments for conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), hereditary angioedema, and various rare diseases. One of its most well-known products was Vyvanse, a medication used to treat ADHD, which became one of the leading treatments in its category. Shire also developed and marketed drugs for rare diseases, including Cinryze and Firazyr for hereditary angioedema, and Elaprase for Hunter syndrome.

Acquisition by Takeda

The acquisition of Shire by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, a Japanese pharmaceutical giant, was completed in January 2019. This acquisition was part of Takeda's strategy to become a leader in the pharmaceutical industry by expanding its portfolio, especially in the area of rare diseases. The merger created a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan.

Impact and Legacy

Shire's focus on rare diseases and conditions that were often overlooked by larger pharmaceutical companies set it apart in the industry. Its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs contributed significantly to the development of treatments for patients with limited options. The acquisition by Takeda is expected to continue this legacy, with a strong emphasis on research and development in the field of rare diseases.

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