AOP Orphan and Rigi Healthcare Start Rigi Orphan Inc., USA

AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG, Austria, and Rigi Healthcare AG, Switzerland, have announced the creation of Rigi Orphan Inc, USA. The new company will focus on the development, in-licensing and commercialization of pharmaceutical specialties for rare diseases in North America.

"We are proud to continue our expansion strategy by targeting the US market together with Rigi Healthcare, the best possible partner for that endeavor. Rigi Healthcare has assembled a highly experienced team ideally positioned to build commercial operations and support the promotion of AOP’s products in the US as part of a broader orphan portfolio," said Dr Rudolf Widmann, owner and CEO of AOP Orphan.

"There are still many diseases with high unmet medical need and our priority is to provide better care for these patients in the US. Our partner, AOP Orphan, is a European leader dedicated to that segment who will contribute products as well as development and marketing expertise to the new company. We are looking forward to working with Dr Widmann and his team to continue advancing the pipeline of innovative treatments,” said Hans Peter Hasler.

Hans Peter Hasler will be the Chairman of Rigi Orphan Inc while Dr Rudolf Widman will join its board of Directors. The company is in the process of complementing AOP’s portfolio with additional innovative products.