Baxter International Inc. has entered an exclusive 20-year partnership with Hemobrás (Empresa Brasileira de Hemoderivados e Biotechnologia) to provide hemophilia patients in Brazil greater access to recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) therapy for the treatment of hemophilia A.

“Our unique collaboration with Hemobrás is a demonstration of Baxter’s leadership in hemophilia, reflects our expertise and commitment to the community, and positions us as an attractive partner that can make a significant impact on expanding access to quality care to patients around the world,” said Robert L. Parkinson, Jr., Baxter chairman and chief executive officer. “This agreement establishes Baxter as the provider of choice in Brazil and builds upon Baxter’s long-standing presence in this large and growing market.”

Baxter will be the exclusive provider of Brazil’s recombinant FVIII treatment for the next 10 years while the companies work on the technology transfer to support development of local manufacturing capacity by Hemobrás. Baxter will receive cash payments for product supplies and following completion of the technology transfer, royalties on recombinant FVIII produced by Hemobrás. The company expects annual sales to exceed $200 million.