Firm will pay $1 million for rights to factor IX, factor VIII, and fibrinogen in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

GTC Biotherapeutics has exclusively licensed ProGenetics’ recombinant human factor IX, recombinant human factor VIII, and recombinant human fibrinogen for North America, Europe, and Japan. ProGenetics received $0.5 million and will get an additional amount of approximately $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2008. GTC will also receive a small equity interest in the company.


The aggregate market for plasma-derived and recombinant factor IX, factor VIII, and fibrinogen products in North America, Europe, and Japan is currently estimated to be greater than $3 billion annually, according to GTC.


ProGenetics also obtained a nonexclusive license to GTC’s patent in the U.S. for the transgenic expression of therapeutic proteins in milk. This will enable the company to develop these products outside North America, Europe, and Japan.


ProGenetics is already developing production of the human coagulation factors IX and VIII in the milk of transgenic pigs and has patents that cover the transgenic production of human fibrinogen. GTC will be responsible for production, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and commercialization activities in its territories.


“Together with our program for recombinant human factor VIIa, GTC has a leading position in developing recombinant versions of all the major coagulation factors used to treat hemophilia and potentially other bleeding conditions,” states Geoffrey F. Cox, Ph.D., chairman and CEO of GTC. “Our strategic portfolio of recombinant plasma proteins also includes ATryn®, our recombinant form of human antithrombin, and recombinant human alpha-1 antitrypsin, establishing a broad franchise in hematology and associated genetic disorders.”

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