Baxter enters agreement with Halozyme

Baxter has announced that it has entered an agreement with Halozyme regarding the use of the latter’s Enhanze Technnology to develop a subcutaneous route of administration for the former’s Gammagard Liquid, Kiovig.

Baxter will provide Halozyme will an initial upfront payment of $10 million (4.9 million pounds), with further payments of up to $37 million possible dependent on sales and regulatory milestones.

“By using Enhanze Technology to facilitate a subcutaneous route of administration for Gammagard Liquid, patients with immunodeficiency disorders could benefit from access to home therapy that may potentially allow full IV dosing with the convenience of subcutaneous delivery,” said Dr Hartmut J Ehrlich, vice-president of global research and development for Baxter’s BioScience business.

Gammagard Liquid is intended for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders caused by defects in the immune system. The Halozyme technology will increase absorption of the drugs through the use of an enzyme to clear space in the tissue matrix under the skin.

Dr Jonathan Lim, president and chief executive officer of Halozyme, said that the firm was “very excited” about expanding relations with Baxter.

Baxter had sales of $10.4 billion in 2006, according to the firm’s website, and employed some 45,000 people.