Bayer Schering Pharma boosts portfolio in oncology

Bayer Schering Pharma has announced an expansion to its research and development pipeline in oncology with the acquisition of a preclinical programme in this field from Nycomed.

Included in the deal are two potential drug candidates and another of back-up compounds which target a kinase thought to be critical to the survival and growth of cancer cells.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer Schering Pharma will assume all development and commercialisation rights to the compounds

The deal was signed after Nycomed took the strategic decision to not invest any further resources into its research and development activities in oncology.

Bayer Schering Pharma will pay Nycomed an initial sum, together with milestone payments upon the completion of specified development and regulatory landmarks, with the total sum payable being up to 52 million euros (41 million pounds).

Professor Andreas Busch, member of the board of management of Bayer Schering Pharma responsible for global drug discovery, said: “The acquisition of this promising program strengthens Bayer Schering Pharma’s oncology pipeline as it is complementary to existing in-house approaches.”

He added the agreement underlines its dedication to research in oncology and its long-term goal of offering new treatment options in this area.

In May 2008, Bayer Healthcare and Onyx Pharmaceuticals presented research data regarding Nexavar (sorafenib) to delegates at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.