Affymax 3Q loss narrows partnership payments

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PALO ALTO, Calif. (AP) - Biotechnology company Affymax Inc. said Wednesday its third-quarter loss narrowed on a boost in payments from its partner Takeda Pharmaceutical on the anemia drug candidate Hematide.

The company lost $18.4 million, or 97 cents per share, compared with a loss of $26.2 million, or $1.72 per share, during the same period a year earlier. Revenue rose 35 percent to $29.2 million from $21.6 million, boosted by its development partnership for Hematide.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected a loss of $1.23 per share on revenue of $26.1 million.

Operating expenses fell slightly to $47.9 million from $48.1 million.

Affymax has said it plans to ask for Food and Drug Administration approval for Hematide in 2010.

Shares of Affymax fell 2 cents to $20.65 in morning trading.