Italy's Chiesi Farmaceutici has unveiled plans to acquire Zymenex Holdings for an undisclosed sum.

The group said this week that it has signed, through its UK affiliate Chiesi Ltd, a definitive agreement with venture capital group Sunstone Capital to acquire Zymenex and its related group of companies.

The move has bought Chiesi access to the Danish biopharmaceutical group's experimental candidates for the treatment of rare and life threatening genetic diseases.

This includes Lamazym (rhLAMAN), a Phase III recombinant enzyme indicated for use to treat patients suffering from alpha-Mannosidosis, which has been awarded Orphan Drug status on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Chiesi says the group's R&D capabilities will help to establish its research and development position in the recombinant biologics market for rare diseases, as well and provide a new channel for continued global growth. 

"By expanding our research and development assets and know-how, we believe we can successfully commercialise new and developing drugs to enhance our portfolio, expand our international footprint and strengthen our competitive position," said the firm's chief Ugo Di Francesco.