Zealand Pharma to Sell Rusfertide-linked Economics to Royalty Pharma for $100 Million

12:03 AM EDT, 08/13/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Zealand Pharma ZEAL.CO) agreed to sell its economics associated with rusfertide under a $100 million royalty purchase and sale agreement with biopharmaceutical investor Royalty Pharma. Rusfertide is a potential first-in-class therapy for rare and chronic blood disorder polycythemia vera. The deal covers a 1% royalty on potential future global net sales, as well as regulatory and commercial milestones of the drug. On sales above $1.5 billion, Royalty Pharma will have 0.75% royalty, with Zealand Pharma holding the remaining 0.25%, as part of the agreement. The biotechnology company has a pending new drug application with the US Food and Drug Administration for rusfertide in adults with polycythemia vera, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target date in the third quarter of 2026.