United States-based Alexion Pharmaceuticals has agreed to acquire Wilson Therapeutics, a Sweden-based company that develops therapies for rare copper-mediated disorders, it was reported yesterday.

The deal is valued at SEK7.1bn. According to the terms of the deal, Alexion via a subsidiary will pay SEK232 for each share of Wilson Therapeutics. The transaction is likely to be completed in the second quarter of this year subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions.

The Swedish company is developing a drug named WTX101 for the treatment of Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to excessive content of copper to accumulate in organs, which is currently in phase three stage. The product is an oral copper-binding agent which can access and bind copper from serum and help in removing the element from the liver. The potential Wilson disease drug has been given a fast track designation in the US. It also has orphan drug designation for the treatment of Wilson disease in both the US and the European Union.