Bayer HealthCare has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for ISIS-FXIRx, an antisense investigational drug in development for the prevention of thrombosis. Bayer will further develop and commercialize ISIS-FXIRx in areas of high unmet medical need.
 
Isis is eligible to receive an upfront payment and payment for the advancement of the program following a Phase II study in patients with compromised kidney function. Isis is also eligible to receive milestone payments and royalties on sales. After completion of ongoing activities at Isis, Bayer will assume all global clinical development as well as worldwide regulatory and commercialization responsibilities for ISIS-FXIRx.
 
"Bayer is committed to developing therapies in areas of patient need and we share a common vision with Isis in developing ISIS-FXIRx," said Dr. Joerg Moeller, member of the Bayer HealthCare Executive Committee and head of global development.
 
"We believe Bayer, a leading pharmaceutical company in the treatment of thrombotic disease, is the ideal partner for ISIS-FXIRx. Bayer has the expertise, commitment and resources to develop ISIS-FXIRx in areas where unmet medical needs exist. We are pleased with the value of this partnership, which supports a robust development program to maximize the value of ISIS-FXIRx globally and which allows us to participate significantly in future commercial success," said Stanley Crooke, Ph.D, M.D., chief executive officer at Isis Pharmaceuticals.