Baxter acquires Archemix’s haemophilia assets

Baxter has confirmed a deal with the biopharmaceutical company Archemix that will see it take control of several assets in the field of haemophilia research.

Archemix has agreed to sell all of its haemophilia-related assets to Baxter, including ARC19499, a synthetic, subcutaneously-administered haemophilia A and B treatment currently undergoing phase I testing in the UK.

The deal is potentially worth up to $285 million (177.3 million pounds) depending on the achievement of clinical milestones, while an exclusive license agreement for certain related intellectual property assets has also been agreed.

Both firms expect the transaction to be completed before the end of the year.

Dr Hartmut Ehrlich, vice-president of global research and development and medical affairs at Baxter's bioscience business, said: "Baxter is committed to optimising haemophilia care and improving the lives of people living with haemophilia around the world."

Last month, Baxter published its financial report for the third quarter of 2010, noting a better-than-expected 12 percent year-over-year income growth.