Rentschler Biotechnologie announced the signing of a contract with Maxygen for the manufacture of a novel factor VIIa protein therapeutic
The announcement follows a recent agreement between Maxygen and Roche (Basel, Switzerland) to co-develop and commercialise the protein for multiple clinical indications.
In the first phase Rentschler will set up the GMP-process and manufacture the drug to supply the clinical studies.
Additionally, Maxygen and Roche have an option to retain Rentschler as contract manufacturer for late stage clinical and commercial supplies.
Nikolaus Rentschler, CEO, commented on the agreement: "We are very pleased about Maxygen's decision to expand the cooperation of our companies.
"In the light of the successful ongoing collaboration on Maxygen's next-generation G-CSF project we take this as a sign of confidence in our professional skills.
"We will be fully committed to contributing to the success of this novel drug project".
Factor VIIa is a natural protein with a pivotal role in blood coagulation and clotting.
Today a recombinant factor VIIa product is approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment of hemophilia.
Maxygen's novel protein will be evaluated for its therapeutic potential in new indications such as severe bleeding in trauma and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).
Analysts estimate that world wide sales of all factor VII products could exceed US$2billion by 2012.
