LEVERKUSEN, Germany--Bayer here has announced a collaboration with Genzyme to accelerate identification of drug development targets. Candidates will come from Genzyme's small-molecule compound library and be analyzed with Bayer's high-speed robotic screening equipment. The deal could be worth as much as $35 million to Genzyme in fees and milestone payments, the company said.
Terms of the collaboration include an up-front payment to Genzyme for access to the company's library, with milestone payments coming as selected compounds proceed through clinical trials. "The unique chemistry technology developed by Genzyme is an ideal combination with Bayer's expertise in high-technology robotic screening methods," commented Wolfgang Hartwig, Bayer's head of worldwide pharmaceutical research.