Sanofi Pasteur and Acambis join forces to develop West Nile vaccine
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, has signed an exclusive global collaboration agreement with Acambis for the development and marketing of a West Nile vaccine.
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, has signed an exclusive global collaboration agreement with Acambis for the development and marketing of a West Nile vaccine.
The West Nile vaccine candidate is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial in adults aged 41-64 years and 65 years and above. Preliminary data from a previous Phase 2 trial in healthy adults have shown that over 98% of subjects developed specific antibodies in the serum 28 days after a single vaccination. The safety profile of the vaccine has been shown to be satisfactory.
Under the terms of the agreement, Acambis will continue to perform development activities, up to and including the filing of a license application in the US. Acambis will receive an upfront payment of US$10m (Euro 6.9m) and would be eligible for pre and post-marketing milestone payments of up to $70m (€48m).
"A vaccine against West Nile disease may now be within reach. This candidate vaccine is the most promising in the industry and would help meet a growing public health need," said Wayne Pisano, president and ceo of Sanofi Pasteur.