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Interferon beta-1b for patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis :: Interferon beta-1b for patients with multiple sclerosis

Novartis to launch its own branded version of a leading multiple sclerosis therapy through agreement with Bayer Schering Pharma.

Novartis has signed an agreement with Bayer Schering Pharma AG that will provide Novartis the opportunity to introduce in the first half of 2009 its own branded version of interferon beta-1b for patients with the debilitating neurological disease multiple sclerosis (MS).

The planned launch of a Novartis-branded version, which requires approval from regulatory authorities, will give Novartis an increasing presence in helping patients with MS ahead of the anticipated submission in 2009 of its oral once-daily therapy FTY720 (fingolimod), which is currently in Phase III trials.

Bayer Schering Pharma will support Novartis in the regulatory filing process of a Novartis-branded version of interferon beta-1b. They will also assume manufacturing responsibility for its interferon beta 1b from Novartis and supply Novartis with this product for its own branded version in return for a double-digit royalty payment. Novartis has the right to further develop new formulations and presentations of its branded version of this medicine.

"This agreement gives us an opportunity to strengthen our Neuroscience portfolio and build our presence in multiple sclerosis while preparing for the submission of FTY720 as planned for 2009," said Thomas Ebeling, CEO of Novartis Pharma AG. "As a truly new treatment approach with once-daily oral dosing, we believe FTY720 can offer significant therapeutic benefits to MS patients."

Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will transfer manufacturing responsibility for interferon beta-1b to Bayer Schering Pharma, which will purchase the related equipment and lease certain buildings at a Novartis site in Emeryville, California, for a one-time cash payment of approximately USD 110 million. Bayer Schering Pharma will also purchase related interferon beta-1b product inventory for an estimated USD 90 million cash, which is subject to adjustment at closing.

Bayer Schering Pharma will continue to pay Novartis royalties on worldwide net sales of Betaseron? until October 2008 when the original regulatory filing, development and supply agreement expires.

Novartis plans to maintain in Emeryville the operations of its Vaccines and Diagnostics division, including the headquarters for its diagnostics business, as well as pharmaceutical research conducted by the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR).

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