Genzyme Completes AnorMed Acquisition and Illumina Genotyping Technology Selected by Erasmus MC for Europe's Largest Cohort Study

Strategic Insights -

Biotechnology giant Genzyme Corp. has completed its acquisition of Canadian cancer drug developer AnorMed Inc. for $584 million. This deal aims to broaden Genzyme's focus on cancer treatments, which has accelerated since its acquisition of Texas-based Ilex in 2002 for $1 billion. Meanwhile, Illumina, Inc. announced that Erasmus MC, the Netherlands' largest academic medical facility, has purchased two fully automated BeadStations to genotype over 10,000 samples using Illumina's Infinium HumanHap550 BeadChip technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • Genzyme Corp. has completed its acquisition of AnorMed Inc. for $584 million, expanding its focus on cancer treatments.
  • The acquisition of AnorMed broadens Genzyme's portfolio, which has grown since its acquisition of Ilex in 2002 for $1 billion.
  • Illumina, Inc. has supplied two fully automated BeadStations to Erasmus MC to genotype over 10,000 samples.
  • Dr. Andre Uitterlinden of Erasmus MC will lead the project in the Rotterdam Study, focusing on the development of late-age diseases.
  • U.S. BioDefense, Inc.'s subsidiary Emergency Disaster Systems has launched its new e-commerce site to expand its services and products.
  • Genentech Inc. has sold its Porrino, Spain manufacturing facility to Lonza Group Ltd. for $150 million.

Statistics:

  • Genzyme Corp. acquired AnorMed Inc. for $584 million.
  • The acquisition of Ilex by Genzyme in 2002 was valued at $1 billion.
  • Illumina, Inc. supplied two BeadStations to Erasmus MC to genotype over 10,000 samples using the Infinium HumanHap550 BeadChip technology.
  • The Rotterdam Study, led by Dr. Andre Uitterlinden, will focus on the development of late-age diseases in a prospectively monitored population of individuals.
  • Genentech Inc. expects to book a loss of $10 million to $20 million on the sale of its Porrino, Spain manufacturing facility to Lonza Group Ltd.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE: "U.S. Equity News: Genzyme Completes AnorMed Acquisition and Illumina Genotyping Technology Selected by Erasmus MC for Europe's Largest Cohort Study" (November 9, 2006)
  • M2 PressWIRE: "Genzyme Completes Acquisition of AnorMed for $584 million" (November 9, 2006)
  • M2 PressWIRE: "Illumina Supplies BeadStations to Erasmus MC for HumanHap550 Genotyping" (November 9, 2006)