Crucell Enters Agreement with Sanofi Pasteur for Next-generation Biologicals against Rabies

Exclusive agreement for rabies monoclonal antibodies to fight fatal disease

04-Jan-2008

Crucell N.V. announced that it has signed an exclusive collaboration and commercialization agreement with Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, for Crucell's rabies monoclonal antibodies, the next-generation rabies biologicals to be used in association with rabies vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis against this fatal disease.

Under the terms of the agreement, Crucell will continue to perform the development activities. Crucell will be responsible for the manufacturing of the final product and will retain exclusive distribution rights in Europe, co-exclusive distribution rights in China and the rights to sell to supranational organizations such as UNICEF. Crucell will receive a payment of EUR 10 million following the execution of the agreement, will be eligible for milestone payments of up to EUR 66.5 million and will receive an undisclosed percentage on sales of the final product by sanofi pasteur.

Crucell has developed a combination of two rabies monoclonal antibodies that has shown favorable results comparable to current immunoglobulin products. Phase I clinical trials demonstrated that the antibody product is well tolerated, provides the expected immediate passive neutralizing activity and that it can be safely administered in combination with a rabies vaccine without interfering with the vaccine's ability to induce an active immunity. The program has been granted a Fast Track designation by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Department of Health and Human Services. Crucell expects to enter phase II clinical trials in the first half of 2008. Peak sales for Crucell's rabies antibody cocktail are expected to exceed US$ 300 million.

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous