Biogen Idec, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum Restructure Hemophilia Agreement

As per the amended agreement, Biogen Idec is expected to assume full development responsibilities and costs, as well as manufacturing rights for the rFVIIIFc and rFIXFc programs.

Biogen Idec will also gain marketing responsibility for the rest-of-world territories that had previously been shared between the two companies, in addition to its existing commercial rights in North America. Wherein, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum will retain commercial rights in Europe, Russia, Turkey and the Middle East. The cross-royalty rate has been reduced for both companies. The royalty rates will be further adjusted until Biogen Idec’s increased costs are reimbursed.

Martin Nicklasson, CEO of Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, said: “Biogen Idec’s clinical and manufacturing expertise, combined with its global commercial organisation, continue to make it an ideal partner for us in the hemophilia disease area, an area with high medical needs. Additionally, we will now be able to focus on delivering value in the rest of our exciting and promising development pipeline and current commercial product portfolio, while improving our near term cost-base.”

James Mullen, president and CEO of Biogen Idec, said: “We appreciate our evolving and continued partnership with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, which is focused on the very important mission of treating patients with rare diseases. The updated agreement fits with Biogen Idec’s recognition of the potential of these innovative products to make a significant difference in the lives of people with hemophilia A and B and with our own strengths in manufacturing, development and the global commercialization of products.”