GSK and Nabi to develop nicotine addiction vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to develop NicVax, a vaccine for nicotine addiction, with US-based Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, in a deal worth US$500m.

NicVax is an investigational vaccine for the treatment of nicotine addiction and the prevention of smoking relapse, as well as for the development of a second-generation nicotine vaccine.

GSK will pay Nabi an upfront fee of US$40m at closing and will receive an option exclusively to in-license NicVax worldwide and a licence to develop follow-on nicotine vaccines using Nabi's intellectual property.

Nabi is also eligible to receive more than US$500m in option fees and regulatory, development and sales milestones for NicVax and follow-on nicotine vaccines.

The company will also receive double-digit royalties on global sales of NicVax should GSK exercise its option as well as royalties on global sales of next-generation nicotine vaccines.

Nabi will be responsible for the Phase III development of NicVax. Upon successful completion of these studies, if GSK exercises its option it will take responsibility for further development and commercialisation of the vaccine.

"This technology builds our capability in the therapeutic uses of vaccines and is a great addition to our smoking cessation portfolio," said Jean Stephenne, president of GSK Biologicals.

"We look forward to addressing one of the largest unmet medical needs of our time with what we believe will be an effective tool to help people quit smoking and remain smoke-free for the rest of their lives," said Dr Raafat Fahim, president and ceo of Nabi Biopharmaceuticals.

NicVax stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to nicotine. A nicotine molecule attached to an antibody is too large to cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, NicVax blocks nicotine from reaching its receptors in the brain and prevents the addictive pleasure sensation experienced by smokers.