Pfizer takes stake in Dutch pharma firm; half-billion buyout possible

American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer has purchased a minority stake in the Dutch biopharmaceutical AM-Pharma. The American firm has an exclusive option to buy out the whole company after committing an upfront payment of 87.5 million. Pfizer may pay up to 512.5 million more if it exercises the buyout option, considering several potential product launches. The option becomes exercisable when the second phase of a treatment trial for acute kidney injury related to sepsis is complete. The results of the trial are expected in the second half of next year. AM-Pharma reported favorable data for phase one in March 2014. AM-Pharma has raised 67 million euros in financing for the treatment development. The clinical data show the potential to uniquely address Acute Kidney Injury related to sepsis, according to Pfizer. The company said there are no drugs approved for this condition, and the only treatment is dialysis and supportive care. Pfizer was previously one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue. Some of its key drugs lost US patent protection in recent years allowing cheaper generic versions to takeover the market.