Chiron, Roche deal

CHIR (Emeryville, Calif.) and Hoffmann-La Roche will collaborate to market and co-promote Vitrasert, Chiron Vision's intraocular implant that delivers ganciclovir directly to the eye to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

Roche (Nutley, N.J.) will provide ganciclovir on an exclusive, worldwide basis for use in the implant. Chiron Vision will develop, manufacture and co-promote Vitrasert, with Chiron Vision focusing on the ophthalmic surgeon and Hoffmann-La Roche focusing on primary care and infectious disease physicians. CHIR also will have access to Hoffmann-La Roche's drug master file on ganciclovir. ...