Maxygen and Biovitrum AB sign agreement to manufacture optimized beta interferon for phase I / II clinical trials

09-Jun-2004

Stockholm and Redwood City. Maxygen, Inc.and Biovitrum AB today announced the signing of an agreement for the manufacture of Maxygen's improved interferon beta material for Phase I and Phase II clinical development. "Biovitrum is a recognized leader in the production of protein pharmaceuticals," said Grant Yonehiro, Vice President business development of Maxygen.

"The manufacturing of our improved interferon beta is an important part of our clinical development plan. We are focused on advancing this product candidate into clinical development for multiple sclerosis and potentially other indications and this deal takes us closer to realizing this goal."

"We are pleased to be working with Maxygen on the production of their optimized interferon beta product candidate," said Hans Örström, Senior Vice President of Biopharmaceuticals at Biovitrum. "We have demonstrated our expert knowledge and capabilities in commercial manufacturing of protein pharmaceuticals for our existing biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners and we are delighted to be working with an emerging leader in the field of improved optimized protein therapeutics."

Maxygen has designed an improved interferon beta product candidate for the treatment of multiple sclerosis with a profile designed to be superior to currently marketed products. Maxygen's interferon beta was engineered by Maxygen to have a substantially increased bioavailability, improved half-life, and reduced immunogenicity. These advantageous properties should provide maximal therapeutic efficacy, greater dosing convenience and minimize side effects.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/37956/maxygen-and-biovitrum-ab-sign-agreement-to-manufacture-optimized-beta-interferon-for-phase-i-ii-clinical-trials.html