SIIL to use Vaxiclase Platform for use in Pertussis Vaccines

French biotechnology company Genticel, a leading developer of therapeutic vaccines, has licensed its Vaxiclase technology to Serum Institute of India Ltd. (SIIL), for use as a component in acellular multivalent combination vaccines including pertussis antigens.

The license provides the platform for inclusion in multivalent vaccines that also protect against Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough. The license covers all the countries of the world except major pharmaceutical markets, in particular the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Israel, Turkey and greater Europe.

In exchange for the access and use of Vaxiclase in the licensed indication, Genticel is eligible for up to $57 million in upfront, development and sales milestone payments from SIIL, as well as single digit royalties on net sales. Detailed financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Adar C. Poonawalla, CEO and Executive Director of Serum Institute of India, said: “We have been closely monitoring the challenges related to resurgence of pertussis especially in the countries utilizing acellular pertussis components based combination vaccine. Based on our analysis, we are sure the collaboration with Genticel and use of Vaxiclase will play a key role in improving the acellular pertussis component based combination vaccine.”

Benedikt Timmerman, Genticel’s Chief Executive officer added: “We are very satisfied with our partnership with Serum Institute of India, the largest vaccine producer in the world. This deal opens an entirely new field of applications for Vaxiclase, which complements our core activities in the HPV field."