Arexis

Arexis was a Swedish biotechnology company headquartered in Gothenburg, focused on the development of therapies for metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The company's research platform integrated genetics and protein characterization to identify novel drug targets, particularly in the areas of lipid metabolism and tissue repair. Its lead candidate was a recombinant human bile salt-stimulated lipase (rhBSSL) intended to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in premature infants and cystic fibrosis patients. Arexis also maintained a pipeline of small molecule programs, including treatments for growth hormone deficiency and inflammatory conditions. In 2005, the company was acquired by Biovitrum (now Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, or Sobi) for approximately $112 million. This acquisition allowed Biovitrum to expand its specialist primary care and orphan drug portfolio with Arexis's late-stage clinical assets.