Bayer Schering Pharma confirms new licensing agreement

Bayer Schering Pharma (BSP) has entered into a new agreement with Hamamatsu Photonics (HP) that will see further research into the treatment of tumours.

The licensing agreement will involve novel substances and their use in the field of molecular imaging and will see BSP take global exclusive rights for the research, development and commercialisation of new therapies.

It is hoped that by looking into the molecules that bind in malignant tumour cells, the studies can unlock new discoveries using positron emission tomography that will lead to improved diagnosis procedures for a number of different cancers.

Commenting on the agreement, BSP’s head of business in diagnostic imaging Dr Hans Maier said the company should now be able to expand its research into molecular imaging as part of a greater need for study in this field.

“The medical need for a more specific diagnosis of malignant tumours is very high and we anticipate to further improve the early diagnosis of certain cancers with these substances in the long-run,” he added.

It was also unveiled this week that HP would be putting more money into its research by constructing a dedicated Integral Optics Building. This unit will be designed for the development of optical systems that utilise photonic technology.