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Fresenius Kabi and Sandoz to cooperate in the development of an HESylated biopharmaceutical drug |
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23 Aug 2006 |
Fresenius Kabi and Sandoz have entered into a partnership to develop a modified form (or second-generation) biopharmaceutical drug.
MUNICH, Germany | Aug 23, 2006 | In the agreement, Fresenius Kabi will license its proprietary HESylation technology to Sandoz. This technology platform is based on hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and enables the targeted modification of drugs by coupling HES to an active ingredient. This type of modification may be used to extend the half-life and improve the safety profile of a drug.
Fresenius Kabi and Sandoz will employ the HESylation technology to develop an improved, second-generation biopharmaceutical drug based on a recombinant protein from the Sandoz pipeline. Fresenius Kabi will be responsible for adapting and developing the appropriate HES derivative.
Sandoz will oversee pre-clinical and clinical development of the drug. Fresenius Kabi will receive milestone payments for the protein-specific licensing of the HESylation technology.
Fresenius Kabi plans to further exploit the potential of the technology by partnering with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
HESylation-Technology
HESylation is based on the extensive expertise in the field of
hydroxyethyl starch (“HESâ€) that Fresenius Kabi has gathered as the world’s largest producer of HES. HES is derived from waxy maize starch and can be metabolized by the body’s enzymes. HES solutions are usually administered to substitute deficient blood volume and to improve the rheological properties of the blood.
The HESylation technology allows a targeted modification of drugs and their characteristics by a specific coupling with HES derivates. This can affect key drug parameters such as absorption, metabolization, half-life, water solubility and safety.
Fresenius Kabi has a broad portfolio of patents and patent applications covering coupling chemistries, so-called special linkers and HESylated drugs on a target-by-target basis.
Recombinant Proteins
Recombinant proteins are proteins that have been produced using genetically modified organisms.
SOURCE: Fresenius Kabi |
