Rhein Biotech enters into new licence and supply agreements

Published: 17-May-2002
Regulatory


Dutch biotechnology company Rhein Biotech, the world's third largest manufacturer of hepatitis B vaccine, has signed a licence and supply agreement for the use of US-based immunotherapeutics developer Corixa's synthetic adjuvant RC-529. The adjuvant is currently used in Rhein Biotech's two-dose hepatitis B vaccine, which has been tested in a phase III clinical trial performed by the two companies. Preliminary results indicated patients achieved over 95% seroprotection after two injections within a time period of one month.

Under the agreement, Rhein Biotech has acquired from Corixa the co-exclusive worldwide commercial rights to RC-529 in return for upfront licence fees, milestone payments, and royalties on future sales. Corixa's RC-529 adjuvant may also be used in Rhein Biotech's therapeutic hepatitis B vaccine development programme.

RC-529 is the lead adjuvant compound from Corixa's aminoalkyl glucosaminide 4-phosphate (AGP) chemical library. As a totally synthetic molecule it can be formulated for a variety of applications including intranasal and pulmonary vaccines, and is capable of producing both mucosal and systemic immunity for the vaccine.

'Rhein Biotech has extended its strong position in the hepatitis B vaccine field, by developing this unique two-dose monovalent hepatitis B vaccine,' said Daan Ellens, ceo and president. 'With a planned pilot introduction in South America at the end of this year we are well on track for entry into new markets both in Europe as well as in other countries around the globe.'

Rhein Biotech has also entered into a licence agreement with another Dutch company, Crucell, to use the latter's PER.C6 cell line for the development and manufacture of a new improved vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis. The new agreement builds on the successful joint research programme performed at Rhein Biotech's subsidiary GreenCross Vaccine Corp. Crucell will receive upfront and annual payments, as well as milestone payments and royalties on net product sales. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

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