Osiris, Genzyme to Partner on Emergency Preparedness Treatments

Osiris Therapeutics and Genzyme announced the formation of a partnership to address the need for effective countermeasures to nuclear terrorism and other radiological emergencies.

The initial focus of the partnership will be to develop Prochymal, a formulation of adult stem cells derived from bone marrow, to treat the potentially lethal complications of acute radiation syndrome (ARS), Osiris and Genzyme said.

Prochymal is currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of GvHD and Crohn’s Disease and has demonstrated preliminary efficacy in the treatment of patients experiencing their first heart attacks, the companies said.

These trials have shown Prochymal’s potential to reverse cellular damage and improve survival in disease states similar to ARS, according to the companies.

Under the terms of the contract, Osiris and Genzyme will collaborate in the preparation and execution of development and purchase agreements made with U.S. and allied governmental agencies, the compies added.

Osiris said it will contribute its lead stem cell drug product Prochymal, and corresponding safety and efficacy database to the effort.

The agreement provides for Genzyme to receive a royalty on sales of Prochymal, limited to those sales made under contract to U.S. or allied governmental agencies, the companies added.