Kelso Pharma announces strategic partnerships with PharmaPath and Valpharma

Kelso Pharma, the growing UK-based specialty pharma business, has concluded two new collaboration agreements with pharmaceuticals companies, PharmaPath and Valpharma. The specific products are not being disclosed at this time but the partnerships will add a new therapeutic area to the product portfolio of Kelso Pharma and its UK subsidiary, Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals (SAP).

PharmaPath, whose 6,400sqm manufacturing site is located in the Greek capital of Athens, specialises in the development, supply and life-cycle management of high-quality generic solid oral dosage pharmaceutical products. PharmaPath has a strong track record of collaborating with international pharma companies, working with over 75 partners and servicing 45 European and international markets.

Valpharma SpA and Valpharma International SpA are leaders in pharmaceutical development and contract manufacturing, specialising in solid oral dosage medicines and nutraceuticals, both developed with modified-release formulations. Valpharma, which has a 6,000sqm manufacturing facility in Serravalle in San Marino and a 45,000sqm facility in Pennabilli, Italy, has strong connections and synergies with the international pharma industry with whom it partners to develop highly technological pharmaceutical products.

Kelso Pharma is focused on bringing innovative, value added, specialty medicines to the European healthcare markets, providing medicines that improve the lives of patients in a cost-effective and ethical manner. The company is growing through a blend of company and product acquisitions, partnerships and organic growth in the UK and Europe.

Since its inception in 2020, Kelso Pharma has taken a number of positive steps to grow the business in an effective and sustainable manner, positively impacting their patients and their partners. The acquisition of Glasgow-based SAP in January 2022 provided a new UK platform and springboard for future sales growth for the business. SAP’s brand portfolio already has four medicines in the UK healthcare market, including Acepiro (Acetylcysteine) which was launched earlier this year and is used to loosen mucus and to ease coughing up in cases of respiratory diseases with viscous mucus.

Kelso Pharma recently took the first step in its European expansion strategy by agreeing to acquire Italian specialty pharma company, Velit Biopharma (Velit). Velit’s therapeutic focus includes: gastroenterology; dermatology; and women’s health, all of which are complementary to Kelso’s existing portfolio of medicines. In addition, Velit’s portfolio has products focusing on oncology and ophthalmology which, alongside Velit’s strong business development and regulatory teams, will further extend Kelso’s in-house capabilities.

Commenting on the partnership announcement, Mark Inker, Managing Director UK at Kelso Pharma, said:

“We’re incredibly pleased to announce these exciting partnerships with the teams at PharmaPath and Valpharma. Kelso Pharma is committed to working with organisations that have strong values and a clear mission to help patients. Our partnerships with Valpharma and PharmaPath make complete sense for our business and we look forward to working with them moving forward and bringing these medicines to market.”

Melanie Wiegel, Chief Corporate Development Officer at PharmaPath added:

“At PharmaPath, we are passionate about creating valuable partnerships with innovative pharma companies and our new collaboration agreement with Kelso Pharma is the perfect opportunity for this. PharmaPath has a strong track record of international partnerships and we look forward to working with the Kelso Pharma team as they continue their growth journey in the UK and ultimately across Europe.”

Alessia Valducci, chairwoman at Valpharma Group said:

“Our newly established partnership with Kelso Pharma signifies an exciting new chapter for both businesses. With a history of forging strong connections and synergies, everyone at Valpharma is excited to work with the team at Kelso Pharma to bring important and valuable products to patients.”