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Astellas to Acquire AMEVIVEŽ (alefacept)
Acquisition of psoriasis product deepens Astellas' Commitment to Dermatology franchise

05 Apr 2006 - Astellas Pharma US, Inc. and Biogen Idec Inc. announced that an agreement for Astellas to purchase the worldwide rights to AMEVIVEŽ (alefacept) was executed as of March 31, 2006. AMEVIVE is a biologic anti-inflammatory compound used in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, Astellas would acquire the worldwide rights to AMEVIVE in all indications from Biogen Idec. Biogen Idec would continue to manufacture AMEVIVE and supply product to Astellas. The parties anticipate closing the transaction as early as mid-April.
 
AMEVIVE is the first biologic approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. AMEVIVE is a prescription medication that is injected into the muscle. AMEVIVE was approved by the US FDA in January 2003. The most serious adverse reactions found in clinical trials were: lymphopenia, malignancies, serious infections requiring hospitalization and hypersensitivity.