Sobi Completes Acquisition of Arthrosi, Expands Late-Stage Gout Portfolio

Sobi Completes Acquisition of Arthrosi, Expands Late-Stage Gout Portfolio

By, Admin 12 February 2026

Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi) has completed its acquisition of Arthrosi Therapeutics, a late-stage biotech focused on next-generation gout treatments.

With the transaction finalized, Sobi has acquired all outstanding shares of Arthrosi, adding pozdeutinurad (AR882) to its pipeline.

The deal strengthens Sobi’s position in gout, particularly in patients inadequately controlled on first-line therapies.

The Asset: Pozdeutinurad (AR882)

Pozdeutinurad is an investigational, once-daily oral URAT1 inhibitor being developed for:

  • Progressive gout
  • Tophaceous gout

It is currently being evaluated in two fully enrolled global Phase III trials:

  • REDUCE 1
  • REDUCE 2

Both are 12-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies assessing sustained serum uric acid (sUA) reduction.

Pivotal data is expected in 2026.

Why URAT1 Inhibition Matters?

URAT1 inhibitors reduce serum urate levels by blocking renal reabsorption of uric acid.

Many gout patients:

  • Fail to reach target uric acid levels
  • Experience ongoing flares
  • Develop tophi
  • Progress despite first-line urate-lowering therapies

Pozdeutinurad is positioned as a potentially best-in-class, highly potent, selective URAT1 inhibitor.

Phase II data showed:

  • Sustained sUA reduction
  • Tophi dissolution
  • Favorable tolerability profile

If replicated in Phase III, it could compete strongly in second-line or refractory gout settings.

Market Context: A Large but Underserved Population

Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis globally. Uncontrolled disease can lead to:

  • Chronic joint damage
  • Reduced mobility
  • Kidney disease
  • Cardiovascular complications

While first-line therapies exist, a meaningful subset of patients remain:

  • Sub-optimally treated
  • Non-responsive
  • Intolerant

This creates opportunity for differentiated urate-lowering therapies.

Strategic Fit for Sobi

Sobi has historically focused on rare diseases, including haematology and immunology.

The acquisition:

  • Expands its immunology/inflammatory portfolio
  • Adds a late-stage, de-risked Phase III asset
  • Strengthens its commercial presence in gout
  • Provides potential near-term revenue growth pending 2026 readout

Notably, rights to pozdeutinurad in Greater China are held by ApicHope, limiting geographic scope but preserving core Western markets.

Why This Is a Calculated Move?

This is not an early-stage gamble. Key characteristics:

  • Fully enrolled Phase III trials
  • Strong Phase II signal
  • Oral, once-daily dosing
  • Mechanism with clinical precedent

Execution risk now largely centers on:

  • Phase III efficacy durability
  • Safety in broader populations
  • Commercial differentiation versus existing urate-lowering agents

Competitive Landscape

The gout market includes:

  • Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (first-line)
  • Older uricosurics
  • Biologic therapies in refractory cases

A potent, selective URAT1 inhibitor with superior sUA control and tophi reduction could fill a significant treatment gap. If positioned correctly, it may serve:

  • Patients failing first-line therapy
  • Progressive or tophaceous gout cases
  • Patients at risk of long-term complications

Strategic Takeaway

The acquisition of Arthrosi gives Sobi:

  • A late-stage, potentially best-in-class oral gout therapy
  • Expanded pipeline depth in inflammatory disease
  • A 2026 catalyst event with meaningful commercial upside

If REDUCE 1 and REDUCE 2 deliver positive results, pozdeutinurad could become a cornerstone of Sobi’s gout franchise.

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