Baxter Announces Long-Term Partnership in Brazil

Baxter International Inc. has announced an exclusive 20-year partnership with Hemobrás (Empresa Brasileira de Hemoderivados e Biotechnologia) to provide hemophilia patients in Brazil greater access to recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) therapy for the treatment of hemophilia A.

Hemophilia A is a genetic condition in which the body does not produce enough clotting protein factor VIII.

It is estimated that more than 10,000 people in Brazil are living with hemophilia A, and the vast majority are treated with plasma-derived FVIII therapy.

Baxter recently highlighted the importance of developing innovative business models, including public and private partnerships, aimed at improving the quality of and access to care in both developed and emerging markets.

"Our unique collaboration with Hemobrás is a demonstration of Baxter's leadership in hemophilia, reflects our expertise and commitment to the community, and positions us as an attractive partner that can make a significant impact on expanding access to quality care to patients around the world," said Robert L. Parkinson, Jr., Baxter chairman and chief executive officer.

Parkinson continued, "This agreement establishes Baxter as the provider of choice in Brazil and builds upon Baxter's long-standing presence in this large and growing market."

Through this innovative partnership, Baxter will be the exclusive provider of Brazil's recombinant FVIII treatment over the next 10 years while the companies work together on the technology transfer to support development of local manufacturing capacity by Hemobrás.

Baxter will receive cash payments for product it supplies to Hemobrás and, following completion of the technology transfer, royalties on recombinant FVIII produced by Hemobrás. The company expects peak annual sales to exceed $200 million.