Baxter Introduces HYLENEX For Use In Ophthalmic Surgery

Ophthalmic Surgery

Baxter Healthcare Corporation announced availability of HYLENEX recombinant (hyaluronidase human injection) for the ophthalmology market for use in enhancing the absorption and dispersion of other injected drugs.

HYLENEX is the first and only human recombinant hyaluronidase therapeutic product and is available from Baxter in one milliliter single-dose vials containing 150 units of hyaluronidase. The announcement was made at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA) joint Symposium held in San Diego, April 27 through May 2, 2007.

"The incorporation of animal-derived hyaluronidase into the anesthetic protocol for ophthalmic surgery has historically been shown to increase the speed of anesthetic onset, enhance the intensity and decrease the volume of drug required," said Scott Greenbaum M.D., clinical assistant professor, Department of Ophthalmology, New York University. "HYLENEX is a recombinant human protein produced using the latest in biotechnology manufacturing processes and its availability thus represents an important development for the ophthalmology community."

"As a recombinant protein, HYLENEX represents an advanced and more sustainable supply of hyaluronidase, circumventing the quality and supply problems that have historically been associated with animal-derived product," said Gregory Frost, Ph.D., vice president and chief scientific officer, Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. "In addition, the use of a human protein derived from a recombinant source helps mitigate concerns over the potential for inter-species pathogen transmission and the potential for immunological reactions attributed to animal-derived product."

As HYLENEX is being introduced to the ophthalmology market, Baxter continues to develop its INFUSE clinical program, in which HYLENEX and other fluids or drugs are administered subcutaneously to patients. The INFUSE trials are evaluating the potential for Hylenex to offer an alternative route of administration for patients with difficult venous access.

HYLENEX is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as a spreading agent to increase the absorption and dispersion of other injected drugs and for subcutaneous hydration. HYLENEX was developed through an exclusive partnership with Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (Amex: HTI).