Verigen AG

Treatment of cartilage, bone, connective tissue and skin diseases

Verigen, a subsidiary of Genzyme GmbH, is a leading Biotherapy company, located in Leverkusen Germany. It is also represented in Australia, Denmark, Italy and England. The company was founded in January 1999 by the acquisition of intellectual property rights associated with Collagen covered ACI, MACI® and MACI®(A).

In February 2005, Genzyme acquired Verigen AG for $ 10 million in initial payments and potential additional payments of up to $ 40 million of the next six years - based upon the achievement of development and commercial milestones. Verigene’s proprietary Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI®)will expand Genzyme’s orthopaedic offerings and also provide a strong second generation product to develop for the US market.

Hemmelrather Weg 201
51377 Leverkusen
Germany
Phone: +49-214-876-35-0
Fax: +49-214-876-35-12

In contrast to traditional autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) methods, Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI®) uses healthy cartilage cells, previously harvested via a knee biopsyand afterwards seeded onto a collagen membrane. The membrane is fitted by a surgeon into the cartilage defect and can be secured without suturing. This method offers a faster and less invasive procedure without the need of suturing a piece of the periosteum.

The following section contains a selection of the company’s most relevant patents. For comprehensive patent information please refer to the espacenet databases.