08:49 AM EDT, 09/17/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Arch Biopartners ( ACHFF ) on Wednesday said it has acquired a pre-clinical platform developing new drugs to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD). A statement noted the platform includes patents protecting new compositions and methods targeting a novel mechanism of action involving interleukin-32 (IL-32), which is directly implicated in the progression of CKD.

Arch obtained the assets through the acquisition of Lipdro Therapeutics, a private Alberta company for 250,000 common shares at a deemed price of $1.85 per share and a royalty on net sales in the future. Dr. Justin Chun founder and owner of Lipdro joins Arch as principal scientist to lead development of the new Arch CKD platform.

"This new chronic kidney disease program expands the commercial potential of Arch's kidney drug development pipeline. The assets underlying the CKD program could provide novel, on-target treatment options for a significant unmet need in a major pharmaceutical market," said Farris Smith, strategic advisor to Arch and former chief financial officer of Novo Nordisk Canada.

Smith added the acquisition positions Arch to capitalize on "potential new partnership opportunities".

ARCH edged up $0.01 to $1.64 yesterday.