Baxter reveals collaboration for next-generation home haemodialysis

Baxter International has collaborated with DEKA Research & Development and HHD for the development of a next-generation home haemodialysis machine.

Baxter and DEKA have collaborated on other successful products in the past, most notably on the design and development of Baxter's HomeChoice automated peritoneal dialysis machine.

Per the collaboration agreement, Baxter has purchased an option to acquire the assets of HHD and will fund DEKA's related R&D activities. Baxter may also make future royalty payments to DEKA. Baxter expects to record a special net pre-tax charge of up to USD 25m (USD 0.04 per diluted share) for in-process R&D associated with this transaction in Q3 2007.

Bruce McGillivray, president of Baxter's renal business, said: "This collaboration highlights Baxter's ongoing commitment to innovation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treatment. Our global leadership in home dialysis therapy, combined with DEKA's new medical product development expertise, will allow us to advance this promising technology at a faster pace."