SANOFI-AVENTIS/REGENERON EXPAND VEGF TRAP PACT TO JAPAN.Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT:SAN and NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :SNY n. 1. An upward bend in a piece of timber; the sheer of a vessel. ) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:REGN) they have amended their Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important signaling protein involved in both vasculogenesis (the de novo formation of the embryonic circulatory system) and angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature). (VEGF VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor. ) Trap collaboration agreement to include Japan. The companies will now collaborate on the joint development and commercialization of the VEGF Trap throughout the world in all indications, except for intraocular intraocular /in·tra·oc·u·lar/ (-ok´u-lar) within the eye. in·tra·oc·u·lar adj. Within the eyeball. Intraocular Literally, within the eye. delivery to the eye. As remuneration for the inclusion of Japan into the VEGF Trap collaboration, Regeneron will receive an upfront payment of $25 million, milestone payments related to potential approvals in Japan, and royalties on sales of the VEGF Trap in Japan. Sanofi-aventis will lead and fund the development of the VEGF Trap in Japan. Under the collaboration agreement, sanofi-aventis will pay 100% of VEGF Trap development expenses; and, following commercialization of a VEGF Trap product, Regeneron will repay 50% of the development costs paid by sanofi-aventis out of VEGF Trap profits, including the Japanese royalty. Role of VEGF in the Tumor Growth Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a naturally occurring protein in the body whose normal role is to trigger formation of new blood vessels Blood vessels Tubular channels for blood transport, of which there are three principal types: arteries, capillaries, and veins. Only the larger arteries and veins in the body bear distinct names. (angiogenesis angiogenesis /an·gio·gen·e·sis/ (-jen´e-sis) vasculogenesis; development of blood vessels either in the embryo or in the form of neovascularization or revascularization. an·gi·o·gen·e·sis n. ) to support the growth of the body's tissues and organs. It has also been associated with the abnormal growth of new blood vessels surrounding tumors to support their expansion. Blocking tumor-associated angiogenesis has been shown to prevent tumor growth in a variety of clinical and pre-clinical evaluations, with the most widely recognized and highly validated results achieved based on approaches that block VEGF. The VEGF Trap has been shown in pre-clinical studies to block the action of VEGF, thereby blocking the abnormal growth of blood vessels. About Sanofi-Aventis Sanofi-aventis is the world's third largest pharmaceutical company, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic disorders, central nervous system, internal medicine, and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT:SAN) and in New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of (NYSE:SNY). Sanofi-aventis subsidiaries in the United States include Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc., Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Sanofi Pasteur Inc. About Regeneron Regeneron is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and intends to commercialize therapeutic medicines for the treatment of serious medical conditions. Regeneron has therapeutic candidates for the potential treatment of cancer, eye diseases, and inflammatory diseases and has preclinical programs in other diseases and disorders. For more information, call 914/345-7640. |
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