Wyeth Collaborates with Biotechs for Hemophilia Therapies

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (Madison, NJ, www.wyeth.com), has signed agreements with Nautilus Biotech (Evry, France, www.nautilusbiotech.com) and MediVas LLC (San Diego, CA, www.medivas.com), a biomaterials company specializing in improved delivery of biologics.

As part of Wyeth’s research collaboration and license agreement with Nautilus, the companies will discover and develop novel recombinant Factor IX proteins for the treatment of hemophilia B. These extended half-life proteins will be designed to enhance patient convenience, as they will reduce the number and frequency of treatments needed. The Nautilus Biotech technology makes minimal and specific changes to the amino acid sequence in order to slow the breakdown of the protein in the body.

Wyeth will develop, manufacture, and market successful products derived from the collaborative research. Nautilus Biotech will receive an upfront payment, R&D fees, milestone payments associated with development, regulatory filings and approvals, and royalty payments based on net sales of products.

Under the terms of Wyeth’s research collaboration with MediVas, the companies will discover, develop, manufacture, and commercialize novel biopharmaceuticals that extend the duration of action of recombinant factor treatments for hemophilia. MediVas will employ a polymer-based drug delivery system to develop advanced delivery methods for recombinant hemophilia products and improve patient convenience through the creation of a longer half-life for these proteins.

MediVas will receive milestone payments associated with development, regulatory filings and approvals, and royalty payments based on net sales of products. Wyeth will research, develop, manufacture, and market any products derived from the agreement.