Kadmon Pharmaceuticals has acquired Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals, a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company based in Warrendale, PA. Three Rivers adds commercial and operational aspects to Kadmon’s business. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Three Rivers markets several products for hepatitis C, including Infergen (Consensus Interferon), Ribasphere (ribavirin, USP) and RibaPak (ribavirin). The company also markets Amphotec (Amphotericin B Cholesteryl Sulfate) for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, a life-threatening systemic fungal infection, and anastrazole for the treatment of certain cancers. Three Rivers also has a portfolio of generic oncology products. Kadmon will maintain its Warrendale headquarters, as well as its manufacturing, distribution, commercial and administrative operations.

Samuel D. Waksal, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Kadmon Pharmaceuticals, said, “Kadmon is building a new paradigm for bringing pioneering medicines to market more rapidly and cost effectively. This includes the simultaneous execution of a dual strategy, combining an operating commercial business with novel compounds at various stages of clinical development.” Mr. Waksal previously served as chief executive officer of ImClone, before serving seven years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of insider trading related to the flawed clinical trial data of Erbitux. He is permanently banned from serving on the board of any publicly held company.

Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals’ chief executive officer Donald Kerrish said, “In just 10 years, Three Rivers has grown into an integrated specialty pharmaceuticals business with a significant share of the HCV market. This acquisition agreement represents a validation of our accomplishments and an exciting new chapter for the company and for our employees.”