Jan 6 2010
BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: BMTI) today announced that
effective December 31, 2009, the Company amended and restated its
manufacturing and supply agreement with Novartis Vaccines and
Diagnostics, Inc. for the supply of bulk rhPDGF-BB to BioMimetic. The
agreement sets forth a clear and strengthened mutual exclusivity
commitment whereby Novartis shall manufacture rhPDGF-BB exclusively for
BioMimetic for therapeutic applications covering bone, cartilage, tendon
and ligaments.
“Novartis has been an excellent partner in the supply of our bulk
rhPDGF-BB, enabling the successful approval and product launch of our
first regenerative product, GEM 21S, and more recently, facilitating our
orthopedic development programs for Augment and Augment Injectable”
Under the revised agreement, the contract was extended by three years
with successive three year evergreen extension periods. Further, either
company must give a six month termination notice in any extension period
if they wish to discontinue the agreement for any reason. In the event
that Novartis terminates the agreement, or if BioMimetic terminates the
agreement for cause, Novartis is required to support technology transfer
by providing to a new manufacturer all Novartis technology and
supporting documentation necessary to produce bulk rhPDGF-BB and to
supply BioMimetic sufficient bulk rhPDGF-BB to fulfill its needs during
the technology transfer process. Finally, the companies reduced certain
minimum purchase obligations through 2011, by which time the parties
anticipate that BioMimetic’s Augment will be FDA approved for orthopedic
applications.
“Novartis has been an excellent partner in the supply of our bulk
rhPDGF-BB, enabling the successful approval and product launch of our
first regenerative product, GEM 21S, and more recently, facilitating our
orthopedic development programs for Augment and Augment Injectable,”
said Dr. Samuel Lynch, president and CEO of BioMimetic Therapeutics.
“The conclusion of this amended agreement reaffirms and strengthens the
ongoing relationship between our two companies for the future. Our
exclusive agreement covering bone, cartilage, tendon and ligaments,
combined with our own patent portfolio further raises the already high
barrier to entry for development and commercialization of rhPDGF-BB
within the orthopedic space.”
http://www.biomimetics.com/