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Bayer Buys Maxygen Hematology Drugs

July 10, 2008

Bayer is acquiring Maxygen’s hemophilia program, including a next-generation recombinant Factor VIIa protein, for $90 million upfront and a final potential milestone payment of $30 million.

MAXY-VII, a Factor VIIa protein and lead therapeutic candidate, is expected to enter Phase I clinical testing in the third quarter, the companies said.

Roughly 20 percent to 30 percent of hemophilia patients develop antibodies to current therapies. In such instances, a Factor VIIa protein is used to bypass the antibodies and help patients form clots. MAXY-VII is a next-generation clotting factor that may offer an improved dosing regimen and safety profile, the companies said.

This agreement also gives Bayer a nonexclusive license to use Maxygen’s MolecularBreeding technology for a broad set of genes for internal use in its specialty pharmaceutical business.

Bayer will get exclusive rights to use the technology for 30 specified gene targets. The platform will allow the company to exploit gene variation that can result in unique drug targets or novel therapeutic protein candidates.