Strategies of a Speciality Company: EUSA Pharma

In this exclusive interview, Fintan Walton talks to Bryan Morton, Founder and CEO of EUSA Pharma. Bryan begins by discussing the establishment of EUSA Pharma, and how its formation was motivated by the successful acquisition of Zeneus Pharma (also founded by Bryan), by Cephalon in 2005. Bryan talks about the three speciality pharma models employed by EUSA, the similiarities and differences between the US and Europe speciality pharma and the reason for basing EUSA in the US. He also talks about EUSA’s strategy in Europe versus the strategies of the more traditional, private European mid-sized companies. Bryan speculates on the future of speciality pharma companies, and of EUSA in particular. The interview ends with a discussion of EUSA’s pending acquisition of US company Cytogen, and EUSA’s strategy with regard to further acquisitions.

About Bryan Morton

Bryan Morton has a BSc in Pharmacology from Aberdeen University and a MBA from Durham University. He began his pharmaceutical career in sales, and has held positions of increasing responsibility in medical information, marketing, sales management, business development and general management during a 30-year career in the healthcare industry, largely with Merck and Co. and Bristol Myers Squibb.

During this time Bryan has lived and worked in the UK, the US, Australia and Belgium, and in 2003 he founded Zeneus Pharma through the acquisition of Elan’s European sales and marketing business for US$120 M in a private equity deal.

Following the sale of Zeneus Pharma for US$360 M in late 2005, Bryan founded EUSA Pharma in 2006, with backing from Essex Woodlands Health Ventures.

About EUSA Pharma

EUSA Pharma is a speciality pharma company with a strong and growing portfolio of speciality hospital medicines. It was been built through the acquisition of Talisker Pharma in July 2006, and of OPi in March 2007.

The company’s primary marketed products Erwinase®, Rapydan®, Kidrolase®, Fomepizole and Xenazine, are focused on the areas of oncology, pain control and critical care. In addition, EUSA has an active late-stage development pipeline, which includes candidates targeting rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, the prevention and treatment of infected skin ulcers, and local post-surgical pain control.