Crucell will develop a cell-based influenza vaccine after restructuring its partnership with Sanofi Pasteur.
Crucell is expected to take full responsibility for the programme and commence development of FluCell, a cell-based influenza vaccine based on its PER C6 technology.
As part of the agreement, Crucell will relinquish its right to terminate an existing license between Crucell Switzerland and Shantha Biotechnics – a subsidiary of Sanofi Pasteur – to develop paediatric vaccines for Haemophilus influenzae type b.
The license, agreed in 2003 before Sanofi Pasteur’s acquisition of Shantha, left Crucell with marketing rights for FluCell in Japan only. Now worldwide marketing rights have been returned.
Crucell chief medical officer Jerald Sadoff expects the programme to accelerate and hopes to apply for licensure in 2014.
