Bayer enters agreement with Genzyme

Bayer has entered an agreement with Genzyme that will improve the profitability of two of its key franchises ? oncology and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Under the terms of the arrangement, the former will transfer its hematological oncology portfolio to the latter and in return will receive payments and royalties amounting up to $650 million (453 million pounds) ? depending on the sales achieved.

The global development and distribution rights for alemtuzumab ? currently marketed as MabCampath or Campath – will now be held exclusively by Genzyme.

As well as this treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the company will also hold the licence for Leukine and Fludara for all present and future indications.

Chairman of the executive committee of Bayer Arthur J Higgins explained the agreement is beneficial for both firms, adding it will be particularly helpful if alemtuzumab is approved to treat MS.

He commented: “Bayer and Genzyme are better aligned to maximise the opportunity for alemtuzumab in both oncology and MS and free up resources to accelerate the development of Bayer’s exciting oncology pipeline.”

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration supported the benefit-to-risk profile of Bayer’s rivaroxaban.