Shield Therapeutics

About Shield Therapeutics

Shield Therapeutics is a commercial-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on addressing iron deficiency in adults. The company was founded in 2008 by Carl Sterritt. Sterritt, who has a background in life sciences and an MBA, identified and acquired the company's lead product. He led the company through its flotation on the Stock Exchange in 2016 before resigning as CEO in 2020. Greg Madison was appointed CEO in June 2021, bringing extensive experience in the US iron deficiency market from his time at companies like Keryx Biopharmaceuticals and AMAG Pharmaceuticals.

The company's core product is Accrufer®/Feraccru® (ferric maltol), a novel, non-salt-based oral therapy for the treatment of iron deficiency, with or without anemia, in adults. Unlike many traditional oral iron supplements, Accrufer® is designed to be well-tolerated, minimizing the gastrointestinal side effects that often lead to patients discontinuing treatment. The product has received approvals in the United States, European Union, UK, Switzerland, and Canada and has patent coverage until the mid-2030s.

Shield Therapeutics generates revenue through product sales and strategic licensing agreements. In the U.S., the company has a co-commercialization agreement with Viatris Inc., significantly expanding its sales force and market reach. For other global markets, Shield has established exclusive licensing and commercialization partnerships with Norgine B.V. (for the EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand), Beijing Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co. (for China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), Korea Pharma Co., Ltd. (for the Republic of Korea), and KYE Pharmaceuticals Inc. (for Canada). Under these agreements, Shield receives upfront payments, sales-based milestones, and royalties.