Neose and Novo enter agreement

Neose Technologies from Horsham, PA, US, and Novo Nordisk have signed an agreement for Novo to use Neose's GlycoPEGylation technology to develop three next-generation proteins within Novo Nordisk's therapeutic areas, one of which is currently marketed by them.

The licence agreements are the result of the research and development collaboration agreements Neose and Novo Nordisk executed in 2002 and the successful application of Neose's GlycoPEGylation technology to three complex proteins.

Under the terms of the new agreements, Neose will receive a $4.3m upfront fee and up to $51.3m in milestone payments based on the progress of the programmes. Novo Nordisk is responsible for funding Neose's research and development activities under the agreements, and Neose will receive royalties on sales of any products commercialised under the agreements. In addition, Neose could receive additional milestones and royalties on new indications for the two proteins not currently marketed by Novo Nordisk.

'We are pleased that the success of our original collaboration with Novo Nordisk has led to a broader collaboration on multiple proteins for various indications. Our work with Novo Nordisk highlights the potential of our GlycoPEGylation technology to make clinically significant improvements to therapeutic proteins,' said C. Boyd Clarke, Neose president, ceo and chairman. 'We look forward to moving into the next phase of developing these proteins with a leader in the field.'

About GlycoPEGylation

Neose's GlycoPEGylation technology can extend and customise protein half-life by uniquely linking various size polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers to glycans that are remote from the protein's active site, thereby preserving activity. Proteins that have not benefited from traditional chemical pegylation may benefit from GlycoPEGylation.