Stallergenes Greer Acquires Entomon to Strengthen Venom Immunotherapy Supply Chain
Key Insights
Stallergenes Greer announced the acquisition of Entomon s.r.l. (search), the only European company capable of extracting pure Hymenoptera (search) venom for medical use.
The acquisition strengthens manufacturing capabilities for venom immunotherapy (search) treatments, addressing supply constraints in a market with limited global capacity.
Hymenoptera venom allergy (search) is the primary cause of anaphylaxis (search) in adults, responsible for 48.2% of cases in Europe and approximately 72 deaths annually in the United States.
Stallergenes Greer, a global leader in allergy therapeutics, has entered into an agreement to acquire Entomon s.r.l. (search), an Italian company specializing in the production of certified stinging-insect venom extracts. The transaction, expected to close by the end of January, positions Stallergenes Greer to strengthen its supply chain for life-saving venom immunotherapy (search) treatments.
Entomon, based in Florence, Italy, is currently recognized as the only company in Europe capable of extracting pure venom from Hymenoptera (search) insects. The company produces pharmaceutical-grade insect venom using proprietary techniques known as Entomon Capillary Extracted Venom (search)® for medical use in diagnostic preparations and venom immunotherapy (search).
Strategic Importance of Venom Supply Security
The acquisition addresses critical supply chain vulnerabilities in a market constrained by limited global capacity for high-quality venom extracts. Dr. Andreas Amrein, Chairman and CEO of Stallergenes Greer, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition: "This acquisition secures long-term access to high-quality venom extracts in a market constrained by limited global capacity. It also builds on our existing partnerships and supports a diversified model for venom immunotherapy (search) components."
Through this acquisition, Stallergenes Greer bolsters its venom manufacturing capabilities and supply of raw materials for venom immunotherapy (search) treatments, while safeguarding patient care continuity. The company's existing venom immunotherapy product, Albey (search)®, holds marketing authorizations in France, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.
Clinical Significance of Hymenoptera Venom Allergy
Hymenoptera venom allergy (search) represents a significant public health concern, serving as the most common trigger of severe anaphylaxis (search) in adults. According to EAACI guidelines on venom immunotherapy (search), venom immunotherapy is the only treatment that can prevent systemic inflammatory reactions to bee or wasp stings and significantly improve quality of life, even for people with less severe allergic reactions.
Stinging-insect venom sensitization affects between 9.3% and 28.7% of the general population, with more than half of the population experiencing an insect sting at least once in their lifetime, depending on living environment and activity type. Hymenoptera venom allergy (search) is responsible for 48.2% of anaphylaxis (search) cases in adults in Europe and 20.2% in children worldwide.
Mortality and Treatment Landscape
The clinical impact of Hymenoptera venom allergy (search) extends to fatal outcomes, with national mortality surveillance data showing approximately 72 deaths per year in the United States due to fatal anaphylaxis (search) from Hymenoptera (search) stings. European data indicate a comparable burden of about 73 deaths annually across 32 countries.
Venom allergy manifests as an IgE (search)-mediated hypersensitivity reaction triggered by stings from insects such as bees, wasps, hornets, or other Hymenoptera (search) species. While local reactions are common and usually mild, venom-allergic individuals can experience systemic responses ranging from widespread hives to severe anaphylaxis (search).
Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical history, skin testing, and specific IgE (search) measurement to identify the responsible insect. Venom immunotherapy (search) is the only treatment proven to modify the natural course of venom allergy, providing long-term protection by inducing immune tolerance and markedly reducing the risk of systemic reactions to future stings while improving patients' quality of life.
Manufacturing Excellence and Quality Standards
Dr. Elisabetta Francescato, CEO and founder of Entomon s.r.l. (search), highlighted the company's expertise: "Becoming part of Stallergenes Greer marks a transformative moment for Entomon. It is a testament to our expertise in the extraction of pure Hymenoptera (search) venom and our ability to deliver high-quality raw materials which are essential for life-saving allergen immunotherapies."
Because Hymenoptera (search) venoms differ by species, the availability and quality of venom extracts are essential to enable accurate diagnosis and effective immunotherapy, ensuring patients receive targeted and reliable treatment. Albey (search)® Venoms are standardized purified extracts derived from Hymenoptera species, including honeybee (Apis mellifera), yellow jacket (Vespula spp.), and paper wasp (Polistes spp.), specifically designed for venom immunotherapy (search) as the only proven treatment to prevent severe systemic allergic reactions.