Utrecht (the Netherlands) / Cambridge (USA) — Gilde Healthcare, the transatlantic growth capital firm specialized in the healthcare sector, announces it has sold its minority stake in biopharmaceutical company Santaris Pharma A/S (Copenhagen, Denmark) to Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY).

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will make an upfront cash payment of $250 million to Santaris Pharma’s shareholders and additional contingent payments of up to $200 million based on the achievement of certain predetermined milestones. Roche plans to maintain Santaris Pharma’s operations in Denmark, where the existing site will be renamed Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen.

Gilde Healthcare supported Santaris Pharma since 2008 in subsequent financing rounds and has played an active role in the advance of the company. The trade sale of Santaris marks the sixth successful exit of its Gilde Healthcare II fund.

About Santaris Pharma A/S

Santaris Pharma A/S (Copenhagen, Denmark) is developing a diverse pipeline of LNA therapeutics that influence the production or activity of select RNA targets to address diseases that are difficult-to-treat with conventional drug modalities. Santaris uses its proprietary Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) platform and tissue-targeting expertise to pioneer next-generation antisense product candidates. Santaris Pharma’s innovation and leadership position has attracted multiple collaborations with leading global pharmaceutical companies. Founded in 2003, Santaris Pharma is headquartered in Denmark. www.santaris.com.

About Gilde Healthcare

Gilde Healthcare (Utrecht, The Netherlands and Cambridge, USA) is a transatlantic growth capital investor focused on private healthcare companies. It has over €450 million ($600 million) under management and is actively looking to lead new investments in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices and healthcare services. For a list of Gilde’s portfolio companies please visit the website at www.gildehealthcare.com.

Gilde Healthcare II is supported by the European Communities Growth and Employment Initiative, MAP – ETF Start up Facility.