Baxter and Halozyme's HyQvia approved in European Union

USA-based Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) and Halozyme Therapeutics (Nasdaq: HALO) say that the European Commission has granted Baxter marketing authorization in all European Union member states for the use of HyQvia, a product consisting of human normal immunoglobulin (IGSC, 10%) and recombinant human hyaluronidase, as replacement therapy for adult patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.

''HyQvia offers patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies the ability to administer their treatment in a single subcutaneous site every three to four weeks. This represents an important advance for patients who are managing a chronic disease as HyQvia combines key benefits of intravenous and subcutaneous administration into one
product,'' said Ludwig Hantson, president of Baxter’s BioScience business.

Baxter says it will introduce HyQvia in select countries during 2013 and plans to expand the launch to other EU countries in 2014, starting with Germany, followed by Ireland and the UK.