Genzyme to Acquire Remaining 78% of Focal

In a move that will add intellectual property and expertise with synthetic biomaterials to its biosurgery unit, Genzyme Corp. (Cambridge, MA, USA) has agreed to acquire Focal, Inc. (Lexington, MA, USA) and merge its operations with Genzyme's Biosurgery unit. Genzyme currently owns 22% of Focal and will purchase the remaining 78% in an exchange of stock.

Genzyme Biosurgery will also gain worldwide rights to market FocalSeal-L, a synthetic liquid polymer used to seal air leaks that develop during lung surgery. In addition, the company will acquire a pipeline of biomaterials being developed for other types of surgeries, including FocalSeal-S for use in sealing the dura following brain or spinal surgery. Genzyme Corp. invested US$15 million in Focal in exchange for North American marketing rights to FocalSeal-L.

"Obtaining Focal's extensive intellectual property and promising product pipeline will expand our leadership position in the emerging field of surgical biomaterials,” said Duke Collier, president of Genzyme Biosurgery.




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