Bioverativ will be the name of the standalone biotechnology company created from Biogen’s hemophilia-focused spinoff, and it is expected to launch in early 2017. Bioverativ will be focused on the discovery, research, development and commercialization of treatments for hemophilia and other blood disorders.
 
“As an independent and focused company, we believe that Bioverativ will be uniquely positioned to drive progress and advance the standard of care for people living with hemophilia,” said John G. Cox, chief executive officer of Bioverativ, and Biogen’s former executive vice president, Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology. “Working closely with the hemophilia community, we hope to transform lives by accelerating innovation for people and caregivers living with hemophilia.”
 
“The new company’s name creates a clear connection to our Biogen heritage and biotech focus. It also conveys our commitment to actively working with patients, caregivers, health care professionals and advocacy leaders to create progress where patients need it most,” Mr. Cox continued.
 
Bioverativ will continue commercialization of ELOCTATE and ALPROLIX, indicated for the treatment of hemophilia A and B, respectively, under Biogen’s existing collaboration agreement with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (publ)(Sobi). After the spin-off, Bioverativ expects to continue development of these drugs, including conducting studies to explore the potential benefits of Fc fusion technology on long-term joint health, immunogenicity and immune tolerance induction in hemophilia patients who develop inhibitors.
 
Bioverativ will also focus on advancing pipeline programs that address areas of unmet need in hemophilia and other blood disorders, including programs studying longer-acting factor therapies that utilize XTEN technology.