URGO Medical Acquires Realm Therapeutics to Expand Innovative Wound Care Portfolio

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has learned that URGO Medical, a global leader in wound care, has announced the acquisition of Realm Therapeutics, with both parties having recently signed an asset purchase agreement. The acquisition is reported to expand URGO Medical’s innovative product portfolio and its business presence in North America.

Realm Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Pennsylvania, USA. Founded in 2006, the company is dedicated to developing small-molecule therapies using its proprietary technology platform for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in dermatology and ophthalmology. As part of this acquisition, Realm Therapeutics will sell its Vashe wound cleansing solution to URGO Medical, and the two parties will jointly conduct research on hypochlorous acid-based treatments for allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis.

Vashe Wound Solution is a hypochlorous acid (HOCl) wound cleanser that is antibiotic-free, non-irritating, and non-cytotoxic. It is indicated for cleansing, irrigating, moistening, debriding, and removing debris from acute and chronic skin lesions, such as Stage I–IV pressure ulcers, venous insufficiency ulcers, and diabetic ulcers. Additionally, the solution can alleviate first- and second-degree burns and treat partial abrasions. The product is currently marketed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, and Chile. Data show that its sales increased by 40% in 2018 compared to 2017.

URGO Medical (formerly Steadmed Medical) is the medical division of Laboratoires Urgo, a French family-owned business founded in 1880, and operates under the URGO Group. It is understood that, in addition to URGO Medical, the URGO Group also owns brands such as Juvamine, Mercurochrome, Humex, and Alvityl.

It is reported that since its inception, URGO Medical has been dedicated to providing innovative wound care solutions for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare settings. The company’s products are primarily designed for the management of skin injuries such as bites and scratches, diabetic foot ulcers, epidermolysis bullosa, leg ulcers, pressure injuries, skin abrasions, and surgical wounds. These include UrgoClean Ag for treating local infections and UrgoClean Pad for ulcer treatment.

According to data published on the URGO Medical official website, URGO Medical ranked third in the European wound healing market in 2014. In September 2018, following its merger with SteadMed Medical, LLC., the company achieved annual revenue of €214 million, with pharmaceutical exports accounting for 63%, thereby emerging as a global leader in the wound care market.

Laurent Faugère, CEO of URGO Medical, stated, “This acquisition will enable us to independently control the procurement volume of Vashe and expand into new markets in North America.”

(Compiled by Feng Yutong)