Shire has signed a $70 million agreement with UCB to acquire the worldwide rights to Equasym IR and XL (methylphenidate hydrochloride), excluding the U.S., Canada and Barbados, for the treatment of ADHD. Equasym XL is approved and marketed in 10 countries and Equasym IR is marketed in four countries. In 2008 the products generated sales of $21.3 million in these territories.

This acquisition adds to Shire’s ADHD portfolio and provides access to the European ADHD market as well as the opportunity to enter additional world markets. Equasym will allow Shire to build its U.S. ADHD market and establishes a bridge for Shire’s other ADHD treatments in territories outside of the U.S. As part of this transaction, approximately 20 sales and sales management personnel will transfer to Shire, providing an established sales force for Equasym and other potential ADHD products.

Michael Cola, president of Shire’s Specialty Pharmaceuticals business, commented, “The acquisition of the Equasym franchise accelerates the establishment of Shire’s ADHD presence in markets outside of North America. Our expertise and portfolio of ADHD products will provide a strong foundation from which we can offer innovative treatments for adults and children with ADHD.”