Genzyme Corporation (GENZ) recently reported positive results from a randomized phase III study that was conducted with Campath (alemtuzumab) in combination with Fludara (fludarabine phosphate) in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients.  The company reported that patients treated with Campath and Fludara (FluCAM) experienced a significant improvement in progression free survival (PFS), compared to patients receiving only Fludara. The study was designed to detect at least a 50% overall improvement in PFS in the FluCAM arm compared to the Fludara arm.  Although the company did not disclose full results, Genzyme announced that the trial’s independent data safety monitoring board, in a pre-planned interim analysis, determined that the study achieved its primary endpoint and recommended early closure of the trial.  We look forward to detailed results from the study in December at the American Society of Hematology. Impressive PFS results could help the combination ...

Genzyme Corp. (GENZ) said it acquired the worldwide rights of marketing leukemia treatment Campath and two other hematological-cancer drugs from its German partner Bayer for up to $650 million in royalties.

As part of the agreement, Genzyme will be responsible for developing Campath to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). However, Bayer will retain an option to co-promote the drug if it gets approval for MS and the right to commercialize Campath for use in organ transplantation.

After selling the rights of Campath, and blood cancer drugs Flurdara and Leukine to Genzyme, Bayer said it will focus on kidney and liver cancer drug Nexavar.

A Bayer spokesperson said the deal "significantly improves the profitability for two of our key franchises - oncology and MS". The company has generated about 220 million euros ($293.2 million) annually from the three drugs.

On the other hand, the deal will

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