Ipsen has taken significant steps forward in building a fully fledged commercial presence in North America. In line with its strategy to globalize its specialist care business, the three transactions announced will allow Ipsen, upon completion, to directly market its key specialist care products in the world's largest pharmaceutical market, with three global products in its portfolio (Somatuline Autogel/Depot, Increlex, and, upon FDA approval, Dysport).

In the field of endocrinology, Ipsen entered into a definitive merger agreement by which it would acquire all of the publicly held shares of Tercica Inc. the Group does not currently own at a price of $9.0 per share in cash. This transaction, which is subject to approval by a majority of outstanding Tercica shares, has been unanimously approved by Tercica's Board of Directors following recommendation and approval by an independent special committee of the Tercica board of directors comprised of three non-management independent directors (the "Special Committee").

In the field of neuromuscular disorders, the Group signed an agreement with Vernalis ltd to acquire its US operations, Ipsen's future platform for the launch of Dysport, and the rights to market Apokyn, a treatment for "off" episodes in moderate to severe Parkinson's disease.

In the field of haematology, Ipsen entered into a purchase agreement with Octagen to acquire all its OBI-1 related assets in order to fully control its future development and, given the promising nature of the compound, extract more value from its direct commercialization.

Overall, through these transactions, Ipsen builds a fully fledged presence in North America, significantly enhances its geographic footprint, globalizes its specialty portfolio in endocrinology and neurology and accelerates its growth profile, notably by gaining access to new Research and Development projects, an Ipsen press release said.