NOVARTIS BUYS RIGHTS TO PHASE 1 HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA DRUG FROM GERMANY'S SEBO

Novartis AG said it has signed a deal with Germany's SeBo GmbH to acquire the global rights for a novel oral phosphate binder for the treatment of elevated serum phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia) in late- or end-stage renal disease patients. Financial details were not disclosed. Novartis has obtained the rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise this compound for patients with chronic kidney disease or patients already on dialysis.

Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2005/08/18/afx2184350.html)