Shire plc has entered into an agreement with Sanquin Blood Supply, the manufacturer of CINRYZE (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]), providing Shire access to its manufacturing technology and to source additional manufacturers to meet the growing demand for CINRYZE.
 
Detailed terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but involve milestone payments to Sanquin, including a successful technical transfer to a second source manufacturer. Sanquin will continue to serve as a key partner with Shire to increase global supply of CINRYZE.
 
“We wanted the freedom to operate and expand in a way that makes strategic sense for our business,” said Flemming Ornskov, M.D., chief executive officer, Shire. “When Shire acquired ViroPharma in January 2014, we inherited an arrangement under which Sanquin was the exclusive manufacturer for CINRYZE. We’re pleased that Sanquin was open to expanding our partnership and agreeing to support us as we increase production options for this important therapy.”