Genzyme and Bayer HealthCare Enter New Strategic Agreement
Genzyme Assumes Primary Responsibility for the Development and Commercialization of Alemtuzumab for Multiple Sclerosis
Genzyme Corporation announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the worldwide rights to Campath® (alemtuzumab) from Bayer HealthCare, giving Genzyme primary responsibility for the development and commercialization of this potential break-though treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Bayer will continue to fund a portion of alemtuzumab’s development in MS and will retain an option to co-promote the product in MS upon approval. In addition, Genzyme will assume sole responsibility for worldwide sales and marketing for Campath in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), where it is indicated for use as a single agent in first-line and previously-treated patients with this disease. Bayer will retain the right to develop and commercialize alemtuzumab in solid organ transplant indications.
The agreement further expands Genzyme’s hematologic oncology commercial presence beyond Campath through the addition of Fludara® (fludarabine) and Leukine® (sargramostim), and provides an opportunity to integrate members of Bayer’s experienced commercial team for all three drugs into Genzyme’s global operations. Genzyme will acquire a new, Seattle-area Leukine manufacturing facility for $75 to $100 million and hire the plant’s operating personnel following FDA plant approval, which is expected in 2010.
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