Swiss pharma giant Vifor, speculated as a takeover target by CSL, has a strong presence in Australia and is gunning to develop a suite of new treatments for kidney disease.

Media speculation was rife at the end of last week that CSL was in advanced talks with Vifor Pharma about a $10 billion takeover of the business. Former CSL board member Abbas Hussain joined Vifor as chief executive in the middle of this year.

Both companies moved to downplay the reports of an acquisition, with CSL saying it regularly assesses market opportunities.

“There is no certainty that any transaction will result from CSL’s consideration of such opportunities and, if any transaction does result, when such a transaction would occur,” the company told the ASX.

Vifor said it was regularly in conversations with other market participants and could not comment on any deals.

Purchasing the company would give CSL access to its suite of iron deficiency products as well as its portfolio of products to help treat patients with kidney disease.

Vifor’s financial statements suggest it has seen recent success in Australia.

Its report for the first half of 2021 revealed net sales of its core product Ferinject jumped more than 22 per cent to 320 million francs ($380.2 million) for the half-year.

“Overall strong market recovery was led by major European markets as well as Australia and New Zealand,” the company said.