Ambrose Acquires AM‑Pharma for Rare Bone Drug

Ambrose Healthcare has bought Dutch biotech AM‑Pharma, paying up to €161 million for all its shares. The transaction gives Ambrose a foothold in the Netherlands and access to AM‑Pharma’s regulatory and scientific infrastructure. The acquisition adds the company’s enzyme‑replacement therapy, ilofotase alfa, to Ambrose’s pipeline, strengthening its focus on rare diseases.

The deal brings ilofotase alfa into Ambrose’s portfolio. The enzyme‑replacement therapy is already in phase 2 development for hypophosphatasia, a rare bone‑softening disease. Early phase 1b studies have shown a safe profile and dose‑dependent effects on disease biomarkers, and the compound already holds orphan‑drug status in the U.S. and Europe. Its safety database covers almost 700 patients.

Targeting adult‑onset HPP

Targeting adult‑onset HPP Hypophosphatasia currently has only one approved therapy, AstraZeneca’s Strensiq, which is used mainly in children. Adults whose symptoms begin in adulthood are not covered by that indication, leaving a treatment gap that ilofotase alfa could fill. Ambrose therefore sees a clear opportunity to serve a niche market that is currently underserved.

Ambrose has a pattern of acquiring stalled compounds that already have human data and developing them for rare diseases. In addition to ilofotase alfa, the company owns Val401 and renzapride, both repurposed drugs under development for pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis. The AM‑Pharma acquisition adds a robust research base and a new asset that could accelerate Ambrose’s rare‑disease portfolio.