Originally Published MX May/June 2005

MILESTONES

Chen

ACMI Corp. (Southborough, MA) has announced the creation of a gynecology and surgical specialties business unit. The new unit will focus on areas of endoscopy and minimally invasive procedures in which ACMI has strong clinical and technological expertise, including gynecology, laparoscopy, and anesthesia. Larry Hicks, who previously worked at Karl Storz Endoscopy, will assume the title of vice president of sales and marketing. "These organizational changes will increase our overall competitiveness as well as create a more-unified, resourceful organization," said Herald Chen, CEO of ACMI.

Genzyme Corp. (Cambridge, MA) has acquired Verigen AG (Leverkusen, Germany) for $10 million, with potential payments of up to $40 million if regulatory approval and sales milestones are met during the next six years. Genzyme said that Verigen's matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation cartilage repair therapy will fit well with its existing orthopedic products. In addition, Genzyme will take over Verigen's cell-culture facilities in Europe and Australia.