Baxter Turns Xenotransplant Research Program Over to Mayo Clinic

Baxter Healthcare Corp. announced it is turning over its program of research into xenotransplantation -- the transplantation of animal organs into humans-- to the Mayo Clinic, which will seek to advance the research.

Baxter and Mayo have collaborated on research into xenotransplantation since 1997 and have genetically modified pigs to make their organs more acceptable to the human immune system.

During their collaboration, using a specialized immunosuppressant drug, Baxter and Mayo succeeded in in achieving survival times of more than 100 days for pig organs transplanted into primates.

Mayo now will assume full control and ownership of the program, which will be under the direction of Dr. Christopher McGregor, director of Mayo's William J. von Liebig Transplant Center.

The total value of the donation of intellectual and physical property and cash is an estimated $69 million, Baxter and Mayo said.

Baxter said it was retaining rights to NEX-1285, a specialized immunosuppressant drug developed by the company, and Baxter has acquired from Mayo the right of first offer on any commercialization that results from the continuing research.

Other Sources: Mayo Clinic