According to the lease agreement signed for ten years, Biogen will use a part of the Eisai facility to produce oral solid dose products for both the firms and Eisai will also offer packaging and vial-filling services for biologic therapies.
Biogen also holds an option to acquire the Eisai oral solid dose facility. The financial terms of the deal were not revealed.
Biogen pharmaceutical operations and technology executive vice president John Cox said, "This innovative capacity-sharing relationship with Eisai fits strategically in our global drug supply network, particularly as we advance our oral therapeutics."
In early 2013, 50 of Eisai employees are likely to become employees of Biogen that is already employing more than 1,000 workers. At present, 225 employees are working at Eisai’s RTP site.
Eisai global oncology manufacturing president and Eisai RTP site general manager Lou Arp said, "Our alliance will enable both companies to focus on respective areas of expertise while continuing to deliver high-quality and innovative products to patients."