Chiron sells gene manufacturing facility to Cell Genesys
Chiron remains in gene therapy business through collaborative partnerships
Chiron Corporation (Emeryville, CA) announced today that it will sell its fully operational gene therapy manufacturing plant to Cell Genesys for $4.8 million. The facility, which includes research and development laboratories, boasts validated GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) manufacturing capacity for clinical trials through product launch. Cell Genesys will assume Chiron's remaining lease obligation on the facility and will employ substantially all of the staff at the facility.
Interestingly, the deal does not include any Chiron products, either existing or resulting from Chiron's ongoing gene therapy development programs. Chiron's lead gene product, Factor VIII for hemophilia A, has recently completed a Phase I safety trial. The company is looking for partners to help bring Factor VIII, as well as other gene products, to market. However, it appears that Chiron is no longer interested in full control of this product line, from discovery through marketing
According to Chiron development chief Peder Jensen, the Factor VIII trial was encouraging, but "based on Chiron's refocused research priorities in cancer and infection, [we] believe the product would be best progressed in concert with a partner."
With contribution by Angelo DePalma
Managing Editor, Pharmaceutical Online and Drug Discovery Online
Email: adepalma@vertical.net
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