Genticel licenses Vaxiclase platform to Serum Institute of India

French biotech firm Genticel (Euronext Paris and Brussels: GTCL), a developer of therapeutic vaccines, has licensed its Vaxiclase technology to Serum Institute of India (SIIL), for use as a component in acellular multivalent combination vaccines including pertussis antigens.

The license granted by Genticel to SIIL provides the Vaxiclase 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.

Genticel to get $57 million upfront

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 are not disclosed. Furthermore, the deal provides the two partners with additional options to extend their partnership to a global territory.

Adar Poonawalla, chief executive 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 CEO said: “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. Besides this deal’s commercial interest, we are proud to be associated with a development program that may lead to one of the most widely supplied combination vaccines worldwide.”

Mr Timmerman added: “Moreover, the deal will also provide Genticel with access to improved production methods that the Serum Institute may implement on our Vaxiclase platform. Given Serum’s extensive experience and track record in this area, this is of strategic value to Genticel.”