Genzyme Corp. announced Friday that it has licensed fromBehringwerke AG the patent rights and technology for themanufacture, distribution and sale of a direct amylasesubstrate. The substrate is used as a diagnostic reagent forassaying alpha amylase to determine pancreatic function.

Genzyme said the direct method of amylase testing is animprovement over the blocked substrate, two-enzyme alphaamylase method it has sold since 1985. The new method will beintroduced in 1992 and will gradually replace the existingproduct.

Behringwerke will receive royalties on sales by Cambridge,Mass.-based Genzyme. No other terms were disclosed.

Other companies that sell or make competitive amylasesubstrates include Boehringer Mannheim, Beckman, Du Pont andE. Merck.

Genzyme shares (NASDAQ:GENZ) closed Friday at $49, up $2.25

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