This includes a second generation recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine, a recombinant dual antigen plague vaccine, and a third generation rPA anthrax vaccine program. As part of this agreement, PharmAthene and Avecia Biologics have entered into a long-term manufacturing contract for the supply of these vaccine drug substances to PharmAthene.
Under the sale and purchase agreement, PharmAthene will acquire all of the assets and intellectual property related exclusively to Avecia’s rPA anthrax vaccine programs and plague vaccine programs. Approximately 50 employees from Avecia’s UK office will transfer to PharmAthene but remain based in the UK. In consideration for these assets, PharmAthene will provide to Avecia a cash payment of $20 million, which is to be comprised of $10 million at closing and $10 million within twelve months from the date of closing of the acquisition.
In addition, Avecia will be eligible to receive milestone payments totaling $20 million in the aggregate, contingent upon receipt of procurement contracts for the anthrax rPA vaccines and the plague vaccine, and royalties on sales to the US government.
David Wright, president and CEO of PharmAthene, said: “Our acquisition of Avecia’s biodefense vaccine assets significantly advances PharmAthene’s strategy of building a leading biodefense company with a comprehensive portfolio of medical countermeasures that specifically meet the requirements for procurement established by the US government.”