Global Deals Network

In Detail:

Sartorius and Stedim Join Hands for Disposables

Sartorius AG (Goettingen, Germany) has acquired a substantial stake in the biopharmaceutical supplier Stedim Biosystems S.A. (Aubagne, France) and combined its biotechnology division with Stedim. Upon completion of this transaction, Sartorius will become Stedim's majority owner controlling the combined company. The combined company will be named Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. "Given the strong double-digit growth rates in the biopharmaceutical markets and the shift in our markets toward disposable solutions, this is the ideal time for our biotech division and Stedim to come together," said Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg, CEO and chairman of the executive board of Sartorius.

Nautilus Biotech Inks Korean Deal

Nautilus Biotech (Evry, France) has signed a collaboration and license agreement with HanAll Pharmaceutical (Seoul, Korea) to develop and commercialize three Nautilus Biotech products in South Korea: Belerofon (Interferon alpha); Vitatropin (human growth hormone); and EporalTM (erythropoietin). The three Nautilus Biotech proprietary proteins included in the agreement have been designed for extended half-life and oral availability. By reducing the number and frequency of treatments needed and offering oral administration, these new drugs will enhance patient convenience and compliance. Under the terms of the agreement, HanAll Pharmaceutical will develop, manufacture, and market the licensed products in the territory of South Korea.

Vaccinex and Teva Team Up for Antibody Development

Vaccinex, Inc. (Rochester, NY) has entered into a collaboration with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (PetachTikva, Israel) to develop and commercialize VX15, a novel human antibody discovered by Vaccinex. VX15 represents a new targeted therapy that has the potential to improve efficacy in treating multiple sclerosis by suppressing the body's autoimmune response and blocking damage to the central nervous system. According to the terms of the agreement, Teva will make an equity investment in Vaccinex and pay undisclosed fees, development milestones, and royalties on product sales. Vaccinex retains rights to oncology indications and will continue to conduct all preclinical development activities, which will be funded by Teva.