Schering AG considers sell off of radiopharmaceutical business

Schering AG has said that it is considering offloading for its CIS bio International radiopharmaceutical subsidiary.

The German-based firm said that the move is part of an overall company review to increase profitability and that several parties had already informed the firm that they are interested.

If CIS bio is bought, Schering claims that it will have a one-off negative effect on its financial results. The company’s business is currently focused on oncology, gynaecology & andrology, specialised therapeutics and diagnostic imaging.

“We are in the process of re-aligning our strategy in the area of diagnostic imaging,” said Dr Karin Dorrepaal, member of Schering’s executive board.

“We intend to focus on innovative diagnostic fields of magnetic resonance imaging, computer tomography, optical and molecular imaging,” he added.

The company had recently announced that it had begun two phase II trials with anti-cancer drug ZK-EPO. The trial will look at the drug’s efficacy in patients with ovarian, breast and non-small sell lung cancer.

The former trial will take place in Germany in several centres, whilst the ovarian cancer trial will happen in the UK. Tests involving patients with breast cancer will take place across Europe.

© Adfero Ltd