Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH and Bayer Schering Pharma AG have extended their collaboration in the field of HESylation® Technology. The companies started their cooperation in May 2009 and now have entered into the next phase of development. The extension of the collaboration is combined with a further payment to Fresenius Kabi.

Under the Research, Development and License Agreement, Fresenius Kabi has licensed its proprietary HESylation ® Technology to Bayer Schering Pharma. This technology platform is based on hydroxyethyl starch ("HES") and may allow the prolongation of the active half-life of proteins.

Fresenius Kabi is responsible for supporting Bayer Schering Pharma with respect to implementing HESylation® Technology and providing the appropriate HES derivative to Bayer Schering Pharma. Under the agreement, Bayer Schering Pharma oversees the development and commercialization. Fresenius Kabi will receive milestone payments as well as royalties on sales for licensing of the HESylation® Technology.

HESylation® Technology

HESylation® Technology allows a targeted modification of drugs and their characteristics by site-specific coupling to HES molecules. HES-coupling enables the metabolization, half-life, water solubility and safety.

Fresenius Kabi's Business Unit HESylation® Technology is a focused team of experienced professionals. With access to customized HES species and dedicated fully equipped R&D and GMP facilities the support for biopharmaceutical product developments are fulfilled at highest standards.

HESylation® Technology is based on the extensive expertise in the field of hydroxyethyl starch ("HES") that Fresenius Kabi has gathered as the world's largest producer of pharmaceutical grade HES. HES is derived from waxy maize starch and can be metabolized by the body's enzymes. HES solutions have been safely administered for over 30 years to treat deficient blood volume and to improve the rheological properties of blood.

Fresenius Kabi expects to enter into further collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to contribute to improved pharmaceutical products through its HESylation® Technology platform.

HESylation® Technology is covered by a broad portfolio of intellectual property rights. For further details, please visit http://www.HESylation.com.

SOURCE： WEB OF PHARMACEUTICAL ONLINE