Novo Nordisk today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire intellectual property rights from Neose Technologies Inc. related to Neose's proprietary GlycoPEGylation technology. The acquired rights are currently subject to a license from Neose for Novo Nordisk's development of GlycoPEGylated recombinant blood clotting factors FVIIa, FVIII and FIX.
The transaction is in line with Novo Nordisk's strategy of expanding its presence within general haemophilia. The total acquisition cost amounts to approximately USD 21 million.
The agreement is subject to approval by the shareholders in Neose Technologies Inc.
GlycoPEGylation is a technology developed to enable selective addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to sugar chains whereby protein half-life can be extended and customised.
About Novo NordiskNovo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 26,550 employees in 80 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk’s B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For more information, visit www.novonordisk.com.