A scheme of arrangement, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Kyowa Kirin International plc, was approved by the High Court of Justice in England and Wales on March 18, 2022.
The acquisition provides Kyowa Kirin with a leading position in gene therapy and strengthens its commitment to rare diseases, which aligns with its mission to create new value through the pursuit of advances in life sciences and biotechnology. The combination of Kyowa Kirin and Orchard Therapeutics will allow for the integration of Orchard’s expertise in gene therapy with Kyowa Kirin’s global presence and research capabilities, to accelerate the development and commercialization of gene therapies for rare diseases.
Orchard Therapeutics will operate as a standalone business within the Kyowa Kirin Group, maintaining its existing brand, management team, and operations. Their headquarters will remain in London, UK, and will continue to focus on advancing their gene therapy pipeline and expanding their commercial footprint. They will also benefit from Kyowa Kirin’s global infrastructure and resources, as well as access to their extensive network and expertise in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Masashi Miyamoto, Ph.D., President and CEO of Kyowa Kirin, stated, “We are excited to officially welcome Orchard Therapeutics to the Kyowa Kirin Group. This acquisition significantly enhances our position in the gene therapy space and strengthens our ability to deliver innovative treatments to patients with rare diseases. We look forward to collaborating with the Orchard Therapeutics team and leveraging our combined resources to advance the development of potentially life-changing therapies.”
Bobby Gaspar, CEO of Orchard Therapeutics, added, “Joining forces with Kyowa Kirin marks an important milestone in our journey to deliver transformative gene therapies to patients in need, and we are thrilled to be part of the Kyowa Kirin Group. Their global footprint and experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries will elevate our ability to bring our gene therapy pipeline to patients around the world.”
The acquisition of Orchard Therapeutics reflects Kyowa Kirin’s dedication to pursuing innovative treatments for rare diseases and reinforces the company’s commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients globally. They aim to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both organizations to advance the development and commercialization of gene therapies that have the potential to address significant unmet medical needs.
As the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries continue to evolve, alliances such as the acquisition of Orchard Therapeutics by Kyowa Kirin demonstrate a commitment to driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge treatments to patients with rare diseases. The integration of Orchard Therapeutics into the Kyowa Kirin Group represents a strategic move to strengthen their position in the gene therapy space and underscores their dedication to prioritizing patient-centric research and development.
Kyowa Kirin and Orchard Therapeutics are poised to lead the way in advancing gene therapies for rare diseases and are committed to collaborating with the global healthcare community to make a lasting impact on patient care and treatment outcomes. This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for both organizations, as they work together to bring life-changing gene therapies to patients in need around the world.
