- Business
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. is an American biotechnology company primarily engaged in developing and commercializing therapies aimed at improving neurological function in patients with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders. The company’s core products include Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder), indicated for the intermittent treatment of OFF episodes in Parkinson’s disease patients, and Ampyra (dalfampridine), a treatment designed to improve walking ability in multiple sclerosis patients. These products are marketed primarily in the United States. Acorda also utilizes its proprietary ARCUS pulmonary delivery technology to transform medicines into light, respirable dry powders for better administration. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Pearl River, New York, Acorda has focused its business on specialty neurology segments.
In 2024, Acorda Therapeutics experienced significant operational changes marked by the company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to facilitate an orderly wind-down and asset transfer process. Concurrent with this, the company entered into a strategic asset purchase agreement with German biotech firm Merz Therapeutics. Under this agreement, Merz acquired substantially all of Acorda’s assets, including the commercial rights to Inbrija, Ampyra (and its European equivalent Fampyra), for approximately $185 million. This transaction positions Merz to strengthen its Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis portfolio while significantly expanding its U.S. workforce. Acorda is in the process of executing its liquidation plan under court supervision while ensuring continued patient access to its medicines during the transition period.
Acorda’s business segments span specialty neurology with a product portfolio focused on neuromodulation and improved neurological function. Its geographic footprint until the asset sale was mainly U.S.-centric, with some international product registrations. The company's pipeline historically included development candidates such as BTT1023 for primary sclerosing cholangitis and rHIgM22 for multiple sclerosis remyelination. Acorda’s recent strategic shifts reflect a move away from active commercialization towards asset divestiture and financial restructuring following operational and market challenges. This major shift in company direction culminates in the sale of its core medicines and ongoing bankruptcy proceedings in 2024, substantially affecting its business continuity and future operations.