GSK sells anaesthetic portfolio to Aspen for up to $372 million

GlaxoSmithKline is to sell its portfolio of anaesthetic drugs to South African firm Aspen Pharmacare in a deal worth up to £280 million ($372 million).

The agreement included a payment of £180 million for GSK products Ultiva, Nimbex, Tracrium, Mivacron and Anectinein, and additional milestone payments worth up to £100 million.

The deal is reportedly part of a drive by the UK pharma giant to focus on more core therapy areas. It had already sold the US and Canadian rights to the aforementioned products. The company has earned around £35 million in the first half of 2016 from its anaesthetic portfolio alone.

In addition, Aspen is also acquiring the rights to the remaining territories in GSK’s thrombosis drug portfolio, including China, India and Pakistan. The South African group initially acquired the majority of the portfolio in 2013.

Matt Fellows