VIFOR PHARMA GROUP INCREASES EQUITY INVESTMENT IN CHEMOCENTRYX

Vifor Pharma Ltd. / VIFOR PHARMA GROUP INCREASES EQUITY INVESTMENT IN CHEMOCENTRYX . Processed and transmitted by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

• Vifor Pharma Group increases equity stake in ChemoCentryx from 6.6% to 21.2%.

Vifor Pharma Group acquires an additional 7,343,492 common shares of ChemoCentryx, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCXI) from GlaxoSmithKline - an additional 14.6% stake in the company.

As a result Vifor Pharma Group will hold a total of 21.2% of ChemoCentryx on completion of the transaction.

The increased investment follows the establishment of a partnership with ChemoCentryx, which began in May 2016. Under the terms of the current in-licensing agreements, Vifor Pharma Group has the exclusive rights to commercialize avacopan and CCX140 for orphan and rare renal diseases in all markets outside of the United States.

"This investment is a logical step in strengthening our partnership with ChemoCentryx and towards realizing our vision of becoming global leader in nephrology," said Stefan Schulze, Vifor Pharma Group President of the Executive Committee and COO. "It further demonstrates our belief in the significant potential of these products to provide important new treatments to patients with debilitating kidney diseases. As a major shareholder we believe we can support ChemoCentryx in exploring the strength of its pipeline and the technology platform."

"Vifor Pharma has shown itself to be an excellent partner, committed with us at ChemoCentryx to changing the treatment landscape for people with serious kidney disease", said Thomas J. Schall, Ph.D., President and CEO of ChemoCentryx. "We continue to be impressed with Vifor Pharma's expert preparations to market avacopan and CCX140 in their territories, while we at ChemoCentryx focus on the U.S.  We're delighted with this excellent ongoing alliance." 

The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. The parties expect to complete the transaction in Q4 2018.

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