Amunix, Biogen In Blood Factor Research Pact

Amunix, Inc. has entered into an exclusive worldwide research collaboration with Biogen Idec to research and develop novel, fully-recombinant blood factors (Factors IX, VIII and VIIa) with improved therapeutic properties. The partnership leverages Amunix’s protein half-life engineering expertise using its XTEN technology, with Biogen’s capabilities in research, manufacturing and clinical development of recombinant blood factors for hemophilia.

The companies will jointly conduct preclinical research and Biogen will be responsible for clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of any therapeutic candidates selected. Amunix will receive an upfront payment, R&D funding, and will be eligible to receive milestone and royalty payments for therapeutic candidates chosen by Biogen for development.

“Biogen Idec is pleased to initiate research on this innovative technology in collaboration with Amunix,” said Glenn Pierce, senior vice president of Biogen Idec Hemophilia. “We have a long-term commitment to hemophilia. In addition to advancing our current late-stage long-lasting Factor IX and Factor VIII programs, we continue to invest in innovations like XTEN, which have the potential to bring further-improved treatment options to the hemophilia community.”

“We are pleased to be collaborating with Biogen Idec, a global leader in hemophilia therapeutics,” said Willem ‘Pim’ Stemmer, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Amunix. “Existing recombinant blood factor products require frequent intravenous infusions and there is strong medical need for products that can be dosed less frequently and more conveniently, and used prophylactically. In addition to further validating our XTEN technology platform, this collaboration with Biogen Idec demonstrates the potential of the Amunix XTEN technology for recombinant products that require manufacturing in mammalian cells.”