Abraxis BioScience, Inc. has acquired a sterile injectable manufacturing facility in Phoenix, AZ, from Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This facility currently manufactures products for both Watson and third parties and is capable of manufacturing lyophilized powders, suspension products, and aqueous and oil solutions. Under the terms of the agreement, Abraxis will serve as a contract manufacturer for certain injectable products currently manufactured in this facility for a specified period of time. Financial terms were not disclosed.

This fully equipped facility is approximately 200,000 sq. ft. and includes manufacturing and chemistry and microbiology labs. Abraxis expects that this facility, along with its manufacturing facility located in Melrose Park, IL, will manufacture the company's current and future products such as Abraxane for Injectable Suspension after completion of the planned separation of its proprietary product business -- Abraxis Oncology and Abraxis Research (the new Abraxis BioScience) from its hospital-based product business -- Abraxis Pharmaceutical Products (APP).

"Subsequent to the announcement of our pending separation, we have made a concerted effort to make strategic decisions that support the long-term viability and growth of each operation," said Patrick Soon-Shiong, M.D., chief executive officer and executive chairman of Abraxis. "The acquisition of this facility will allow us to expand our cGMP manufacturing capabilities to provide the necessary infrastructure for worldwide growth of the new Abraxis BioScience."

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