Shire has acquired Switzerland-based source plasma collection firm Sanaplasma to support the growth of its immunology business by extending long-term access to plasma.
Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Sanaplasma primarily works on collection of source plasma. It operates through 14 plasmapheresis centres in Europe; 11 in the Czech Republic and the remaining three in Hungary.
The firm will be added to Shire’s plasma collection network in Europe. Shire expects the acquired firm to complement its established plasma supply and manufacturing capabilities.
Plasma is required to manufacture immunoglobulin therapies that are intended to treat patients suffering from some types of rare immunological diseases.
Shire BioLife Plasma Services Global Operations vice-president Sue Brown said: “The acquisition of Sanaplasma demonstrates Shire’s commitment to its rapidly growing and leading immunology business.

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By GlobalData“The combination of Sanaplasma’s 14 plasma centres in the Czech Republic and Hungary with our more than 100 BioLife centres in the US and Austria will help us to meet the continuously growing demand for plasma-derived medicines.”
Sanaplasma co-owner Dr Martin Lukas said: “I look forward to working with the team at Shire during the transition to help ensure continuity of supply, know-how transfer, and a smooth handover to position the business for future success as it continues to meet patient needs.”
Shire’s largest franchise, Immunology, recorded 18% growth to reach $4.4bn in product sales on a pro-forma basis last year.
The portfolio of the immunology franchise includes treatments for hereditary angioedema, primary and secondary immunodeficiency, and rare autoimmune and neurological disorders. These therapies can be tailored based on needs of individual patients.
Apart from treatments, the franchise also offers specialised services and other offerings to help patients.
The sanaplasma acquisition follows Shire’s sale of its Oncology unit earlier this month to French company Servier for $2.4bn.