Angiotech, Genzyme to develop surgical oncology treatments

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., May 9 - Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Genzyme Corp. announced that they have entered into a strategic collaboration designed to identify, develop and commercialize therapies for cancer patients undergoing surgical removal of tumors.

Angiotech and Genzyme will collaborate to create localized treatments that target the prevention of tumor re-growth after surgery through the direct application of a combined biomaterial/anticancer therapeutic at the site of tumor excision, according to a news release.

Such products may also be useful in treating inoperable tumors, reducing local tumor side-effects, and improving surgical outcomes while complementing existing systemic therapies.

"We are excited to announce this partnership with one of the world's recognized leaders in biopharmaceutical and biosurgery research and product development," Angiotech president and chief executive officer Bill Hunter said in the release.

"We believe Genzyme's specific expertise in oncology and surgical biomaterials, combined with our own expertise in drug-loaded surgical implants and medical devices, provides the resources and critical mass to accelerate our tumor resection program and develop new cancer therapies."

Angiotech is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company with headquarters in Vancouver, B.C.

Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases and is based in Cambridge, Mass.

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