Italy’s Angelini Said to Explore Catalyst Pharma Acquisition (1)

Italian drugmaker Angelini Pharma is exploring a potential acquisition of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Inc. as it looks at deals to expand its footprint globally, people familiar with the matter said.

Angelini is working with advisers as it studies a possible purchase of US-listed Catalyst, the people said. Discussions are at a preliminary stage, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information.

Shares in Catalyst, which jumped as much as 19% Monday, have gained 24% over the past 12 months. The shares were up 6.7% to $29.19 at 12:21 p.m. in New York, giving the company a ...