Fresenius Kabi announces extension of Bayer Schering collaboration

Fresenius Kabi has announced the extension of the partnership between itself and Bayer Schering Pharma regarding the co-development of HESylation technology.

The agreement, which was originally established in May 2009, allows Fresenius Kabi to licence the proprietary technology to its partner and the latest developments mark the second phase of the contract.

As a result, the firm will receive further payments from Bayer Schering Pharma.

HESylation technology is associated with the prolongation of the active half-life of proteins and is based on hydroxyethyl starch, which can be metabolised by the enzymes in the body.

Fresenius Kabi experienced a growth in its earnings last year, revealed by the announcement of its financial results for the first nine months of 2009.

Its sales during the period reached 2.2 million euros (two million pounds), compared to the 1.7 million euros registered for the same timeframe of 2008 – representing growth of 31 per cent.