Smith & Nephew Buys Healthpoint Biotherapeutics

Smith & Nephew (London, United Kingdom) has acquired Healthpoint Biotherapeutics (Fort Worth, TX, USA) for USD 782 million in cash, in a move designed to enhance its position in bioactives.

Healthpoint Biotherapeutics focuses on the development and commercialization of novel, cost-effective solutions for dermal repair and regeneration, centered around next-generation bioactive therapies for the treatment of acute, chronic, and burn-related wounds. The company’s current growth is derived by sales of Collagenase Santyl ointment. Strong future growth is forecast due to a novel cell therapy, HP802-247, an investigational allogeneic living human cell suspension that consists of two components that are sprayed sequentially on the wound bed at the time of treatment: a fibrinogen solution and a cell preparation containing a mixture of growth arrested, living, allogeneic epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.

Based on in vitro studies, HP802-247 is believed to release various growth factors and cytokines into the microenvironment of the wound. These living cells can then interact with the patient’s own cells to stimulate wound healing. HP802-247 has been designed to deliver a defined cell ratio (keratinocyte:fibroblasts) to allow safe and optimal tissue regeneration. A Phase IIb clinical trial investigating the efficacy of HP802-247 in venous leg ulcers was recently completed, and a Phase III trial was announced in September 2012.

“The acquisition of Healthpoint is an important step for Smith & Nephew, and for our Advanced Wound Management division. Strategically, it gives us a strong position in the fastest growing area of advanced wound management – bioactives,” said Olivier Bohuon, CEO of Smith & Nephew. “And it does this bringing material revenues from a fast growing product range, an attractive pipeline, and the commercial and R&D capabilities upon which we can build. The combination creates a truly unique wound care business, having leadership positions across exudate and infection management, negative pressure and bioactives to offer to our customers.”

“Healthpoint and Smith & Nephew have much in common. We share a commitment to innovation, the desire to serve healthcare professionals and a fundamental dedication to improve the quality of life for patients,” said Paul Dorman, founder, chairman, and CEO of Healthpoint. “We are very proud of our employees and the business we have built and believe now is the right time to allow it to grow to the next level by joining a global organization like Smith & Nephew.”

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