Factor VII is a natural protein with a pivotal role in blood coagulation and clotting. Uncontrolled bleeding is the most common cause of trauma mortality in the hospital in the first 48 hours, with blood transfusion as the only treatment option. This partnership aims to offer patients a more effective, faster-acting treatment to stop critical bleeding.
Under the terms of the agreement, Roche and Maxygen will share worldwide R&D costs for the creation of next generation factor VIIa product candidates. Maxygen will lead early stage clinical development, and Roche will lead late stage clinical development with exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize the next generation recombinant factor VIIa molecules for acute indications. Recombinant factor VIIa is already approved in the US and Europe for the treatment of hemophilia.
In the US, Maxygen has the option to co-fund marketing activities and would receive royalties in amounts comparable to profit sharing. Including an upfront fee, total event payments to Maxygen could total $95 million, in addition to royalties. Maxygen has retained all rights for development and commercialization for next generation novel recombinant factor VIIa products for hemophilia.
“Collaborating on Maxygen’s late preclinical stage recombinant factor VIIa program offers Roche an exciting opportunity to expand our relationship with Maxygen and to help patients who currently have very limited treatment options,” said Peter Hug, head of Roche Pharma Partnering.