Grünenthal, an R&D-driven, privately held international pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Germany, has acquired Thar Pharmaceuticals, a U.S.-based clinical-stage, specialty pharmaceutical company. Thar Pharmaceuticals focused on transforming IV-only drugs into oral drugs for existing and new indications using its proprietary technology Enhance development platform. With this acquisition, Grünenthal has obtained the worldwide development and commercialization rights for Thar Pharmaceutical’s lead development candidate, T121.

T121 is a novel, Phase III-ready, composition-of-matter patented oral zoledronic acid drug product. It has received orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. T121 complements and broadens Grünenthal’s portfolio for CRPS, which includes IV neridronate that is currently in phase III clinical development.

Grünenthal will conduct clinical phase III development to demonstrate efficacy and safety of T121 for the treatment of patients with CRPS. Preclinical and pilot clinical evidence suggest that zoledronic acid could significantly reduce pain and other debilitating symptoms of CRPS.

“Grünenthal is highly dedicated to improving the life of patients with pain and orphan diseases that have limited treatment options”, said Gabriel Baertschi, chief executive officer, Grünenthal Group. “As global leader in pain, we strive to develop innovative, life-changing products. This acquisition fully supports our strategy to become a leading player in CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).”

“We believe Grünenthal is an exceptional strategic fit for Thar’s T121,” said Raymond Houck, former president and chief executive officer, Thar Pharmaceuticals. “Grünenthal combines world-leading knowledge and expertise in CRPS with the resources, motivation and dedication to successfully develop and commercialize our potential first-in-class, non-opioid oral treatment to improve the lives of CRPS patients. Grünenthal’s track record of bringing innovative pain treatments to patients around the globe underscores that we have chosen the right partner.”