First German orders for Vasogen's Celcade system

Canadian drugmaker Vasogen and Spain's Grupo Ferrer Internacional SA say they have received initial orders for the former's Celacade system in Germany. The product, which targets chronic inflammation associated with the development of heart failure, is being commercialized by Ferrer under an agreement the two firms signed earlier this year (Marketletter April 23).

A previously-reported study, known as ACCLAIM, showed that Celacade significantly reduced the risk of death and hospitalization in large pre-specified subgroups of patients with chronic heart failure. Specifically, in subjects categorized as having Class II disease according to New York Heart Association criteria, Celacade cut the likelihood of death 39%, while patients in NYHA Classes II to IV experienced a 26% reduction following treatment.

Vasogen's chief executive, Chris Waddick, said that the news represents a major step forward for Celacade. He added that "we are extremely pleased that Ferrer has secured these orders so quickly after completing pre-marketing activities."