BioMarin ventures into the brain

The ability to transfer macromolecules across the blood-brain barrier is a challenge in developing treatments for neurological disorders. With last week's acquisition of Synapse Technologies Inc., BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. believes it has uncovered a technology to do just that. The technology has shown promise in preclinical studies, but has yet to show proof-of-principle in humans.

BioMarin (BMRN; SWX:BMRN, Novato, Calif.) will acquire Synapse (Vancouver, B.C.) for $10.8 million in stock (885,000 shares at $11.50). BMRN also may pay up to $5.1 million in cash or stock to Synapse shareholders upon reaching development milestones. ...