Shire has moved to strengthen its haematology franchise by agreeing to acquire FerroKin BioSciences for up to US$325 M. With the acquisition, Shire will gain FerroKin’s iron chelator FBS0701, which is in Phase II development for the treatment of iron overload due to chronic blood transfusions. Shire will pay US$100 M upfront in cash and up to US$225 M in potential clinical development, regulatory and commercial milestones related to the drug, which could be launched as early as 2016.