PharmaEssentia Acquires Forus Therapeutics, Expanding Footprint in Canada

Why This Matters: Check out Contract Pharma’s Pharmaceutical Industry Mergers & Acquisitions Roundup.

PharmaEssentia Corporation, of Taiwan, has acquired Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company Forus Therapeutics in a transaction valued at US$36.5 million.

By making this deal, PharmaEssentia takes a step in its global expansion by deepening its North American commercial strategy footprint.

Forus and PharmaEssentia No Strangers

The two companies have a preexisting relationship. In 2024, PharmaEssentia entered into a commercial licensing agreement with Forus, within Canada, for Besremi (ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft). Forus filed a New Drug Submission with Health Canada for this treatment for adults with polycythemia vera in July 2025. Polycythemia vera prompts elevated red blood cell production—additionally, secondary white blood cell and platelet production—causing increased blood viscosity.

Forus expects regulatory approval for its New Drug Submission in the third quarter of 2026. However, the company has also been preparing a submission for an additional indication, essential thrombocythemia.

New Opportunities in Canada

Capitalizing on this potential expanded market opportunity, PharmaEssentia’s acquisition fully integrates Canadian regulatory and medical affairs, marketing, and commercial resources. For Besremi, and future products in the market, this means a consolidation of competitive advantages.

PharmaEssentia also plans to explore market synergies and opportunities in Canada with Forus’ other partner, Karyopharm, and lead asset Xpovio.

“This acquisition is the culmination of a strong and proven partnership,” PharmaEssentia Founder and CEO Ko-Chung Lin, PhD, said. “By bringing [Forus’] regulatory expertise, market relationships, and medical/commercial capabilities fully in-house, we are best positioned to accelerate Besremi’s availability.”

“Joining PharmaEssentia marks an exciting new chapter and opportunity for the Forus team,” Forus CEO Kevin Leshuk said. “[We] share a deep commitment to the hematology community and to bringing ropeginterferon alfa-2b to Canadian patients who need it. This acquisition now provides the local team the opportunity to build upon the existing experience with Xpovio.”

In the United States, Besremi holds FDA Orphan Drug Designation for treatment of polycythemia vera in adults. In addition to the U.S., the drug has regulatory approvals in more than 40 countries, including Japan and the EU.