Arecor and Genzyme Form Collaboration to Advance Protein Therapeutics

CAMBRIDGE, England, April 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Genzyme Corporation and Arecor Limited today signed an agreement providing for extensive collaboration on developing advanced formulations for protein therapeutics. The agreement provides for a close working relationship between Genzyme and Arecor in developing stable, high strength formulations of labile biomolecules. This agreement is the result of a two year working relationship where Arecor has demonstrated their technologies offer an improvement over conventional approaches in protein formulation.

Dr. Robert Mattaliano, Group Vice President of Therapeutic Protein R&D commented: "The Arecor technology has a demonstrated potential to significantly improve the stability of complex biologicals by using novel formulation design principles. Genzyme is pleased to establish this strategic partnership in support of our goal to provide stable and convenient dosage forms to patients and their caregivers."

Tom Saylor, CEO of Arecor said: "Formulation of the next generation of biologics represents unique challenges to developers. Arecor has developed a strong partnership with Genzyme and is privileged to work closely with one of the world leaders in biotechnology to help enable new protein-based therapeutics."

Arecor Limited was established to provide formulation solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech companies developing drugs, vaccines, medical devices and diagnostics. Proteins and vaccines are often fragile entities, and stability can represent significant constraints in the development of new products and extending the use of existing products. Arecor has developed Arestat(TM), a patented set of tools for stabilization, to enable the presentation of labile biologicals as stable aqueous formulations even at high concentrations or in situations where cold storage is not practical or desirable. Arestat(TM) can also protect proteins from degradation in the presence of ionizing radiation typically used in the sterilization of medical devices. As a simple reformulation, Arestat(TM) can be readily incorporated into standard manufacturing practice, without covalent medication of the biological and using excipients approved for the route of delivery. Arecor currently has active feasibility programs and licenses with many of the top pharmaceutical and biotech companies on a wide range of proteins and vaccines.

    Contact: Tom Saylor
    Phone: +44-1223-426060
    Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Arecor