Nestlé has bought the British pharmaceuticals firm behind an innovative new chewing gum designed to help those suffering with kidney disease. Nestlé acquired CM&D Pharma for an undisclosed sum, expanding its scientific division, Nestle Health Science, which specialises in the development of nutritional treatments.

CM&D Pharma is the company behind a number of innovative products, including Fostrap gum for patients with chronic kidney disease, which is currently entering the final phase of its clinical trial.

Luis Cantarell, president and chief executive of Nestle's health division, commented: "This acquisition is an excellent fit with Nestlé Health Sciences strategic goal of being a pioneer in the promising area of science-based nutrition."

The firm's flagship product, Fostrap works by helping to reduce high phosphate levels in patients with kidney disease – by collecting the chemical from their saliva as they chew.