Bioventus Acquires Pfizer’s BMP Portfolio

Bioventus has entered an agreement with Pfizer for an exclusive, worldwide license to Pfizer’s bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) portfolio of development programs and associated assets. Pfizer received an upfront payment and will be eligible to receive milestone payments and royalties on sales. The portfolio includes a next-generation BMP and the rights to rhBMP-2 in indications and fields previously reserved to Pfizer. Bioventus has also acquired an exclusive option to a BMP program for soft tissue indications. 
 
Pfizer will transfer all existing development work for the BMP assets and undertake certain early-development activities relating to the next-generation BMP. Pfizer will also manufacture and supply rhBMP-2 to Bioventus.
 
“As Pfizer continues to prioritize and actively manage our dynamic pipeline, we have looked for strong partners who are best suited to advance programs outside our core focus areas,” said Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos, Ph.D., group senior vice president and head of Biotherapeutics R&D at Pfizer. “Given Bioventus’ expertise and commitment to orthopedic healing, we believe it is well positioned to advance important new options to orthopedic patients.”
 
“This transaction strengthens our vision of Bioventus being a recognized global leader in active orthopedic healing. BMPs are a class of demonstrably potent biologics that will benefit from Bioventus’ commitment to developing clinically efficacious technologies in partnership with world-class physicians and the appropriate regulatory agencies. The BMP programs will expand and complement Bioventus’ ongoing development in bone stimulation and injectable hyaluronic acid therapies,” said Mark Augusti, chief executive officer of Bioventus.