Affinivax reacquires rights from Astellas for ASP3772

US biotech Affinivax yesterday announced it has reacquired the exclusive worldwide rights to ASP3772, a novel vaccine candidate targeting Streptococcus pneumoniae, from Japanese pharma major Astellas Pharma (TYO: 4503).

In conjunction with the rights reacquisition by Affinivax, ASP3772 will be renamed AFX3772. Closing of the transaction is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, which is expected in March or April of 2022.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Astellas will receive a $65 million upfront payment and will be eligible for milestone payments and royalties tied to the clinical development and commercialization of ASP3772, as well as royalties tied to the commercialization of Affinivax’ next generation pneumococcal vaccine products designed to treat Streptococcus pneuomoniae.