Alliance to Develop Therapies for Immune-Mediated Diseases

A strategic partnership to develop novel therapies for immune-mediated diseases has been announced by Genzyme Corp. (Cambridge, MA, USA) and MacroGenics, Inc. (Rockville, MD, USA).

Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to advance MacroGenics' ongoing preclinical program targeting the Fc receptor CD16, an important molecule in the development of several immune-mediated diseases. The companies intend to utilize both humanized monoclonal antibodies and soluble receptors aimed at this important target, believed to contribute to numerous immune-mediated diseases such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Genzyme will make a U.S.$5 million equity investment in MacroGenics, and the two companies will jointly fund the program and split profits that may result. Genzyme will have sole responsibility for manufacturing and commercializing products that arise from the alliance, and MarcoGenics will have certain co-promotion rights in the United States.

"MacroGenics' promising preclinical work to date and its strong scientific expertise make it a desirable partner in an area where we see vast clinical and commercial potential,” said Georges Gemayel, executive vice president, Genzyme Corp.




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