Baxter and Chatham to collaborate on haemophilia treatments

Baxter has entered into a new agreement with Chatham Therapeutics focusing on the creation of innovative new treatments for haemophilia B.

The exclusive global deal will see Baxter utilising the Asklepios BioPharmaceutical affiliate's gene therapy technology to develop and commercialise new haemophilia treatments, with Baxter set to be responsible for selling the resulting product.

Research will focus on Chatham's Biological Nano Particles, an advanced recombinant adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy technology that has shown potential therapeutic benefit in early clinical studies.

Baxter will pay an upfront fee of $25 million (16.22 million pounds) under the terms of the deal, with further payments to be made over the coming years, dependent on the achievement of clinical milestones.

Dr Ludwig Hantson, president of Baxter's bioscience business, said: "This initiative complements Baxter's extensive haemophilia portfolio and helps to address unmet needs of haemophilia patients."

In April, Baxter expanded its business capabilities further through the completion of its takeover of New York-based Sigma International General Medical Apparatus.