Essential Pharma Expands Rare Disease Franchise with Ventavis® And Breelib® Acquisition, Strengthening Rare Cardio-Pulmonary Portfolio

Essential Pharma has announced the acquisition of Ventavis from Bayer AG, along with global rights to the Breelib nebuliser delivery technology. The deal marks a strategic step forward for Essential as it continues expanding its speciality rare disease portfolio. The acquisition aligns with the company’s mission to serve small, underserved, and rare disease patient populations worldwide.

Ventavis® (iloprost trometamol) is a prostacyclin analogue indicated for adult patients with primary pulmonary hypertension classified as NYHA functional class III. This rare cardio-pulmonary condition involves elevated blood pressure in the arteries between the heart and lungs, leading to reduced exercise capacity and significant cardiovascular strain. Ventavis® is administered via a nebuliser system such as Breelib®, enabling targeted pulmonary delivery. This approach enhances blood flow in the lungs, improves oxygen supply throughout the body, and reduces pressure on the heart.

Simon Ball, President Rare Disease and Interim CEO of Essential Pharma, commented: “Adding Ventavis® and the Breelib® nebuliser to Essential Pharma’s growing rare disease portfolio signals our commitment to enabling continued access to treatments that make a difference to individuals living with niche and rare medical conditions. This acquisition leverages our global commercial footprint and highlights our motivation to invest further into rare diseases, building on our strong reputation as a partner of choice in the biopharmaceutical sector.”

The addition of Ventavis® strengthens Essential’s presence in rare cardio-pulmonary diseases and builds upon its rare disease expansion strategy, following the acquisition of Colobreathe in early 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, Essential Pharma has secured rights to Ventavis® in all global markets, excluding the United States and Russia, as well as worldwide rights to the Breelib® nebuliser technology. Ventavis® is currently marketed in more than 60 countries worldwide.