QS-21 is the leading member of the Stimulon family of adjuvants developed by Antigenics, and has been shown to stimulate both antibody as well as cellular immune responses. Published clinical studies have shown QS-21 to be significantly more effective in stimulating antibody responses than aluminum adjuvants, the only adjuvants used in approved vaccines in the US today.
Under the terms of the agreements, GSK will purchase a percentage of its QS-21 supply requirements from Antigenics through 2014. Antigenics will also transfer manufacturing technologies to GSK under the supply agreement.
GSK will make payments contingent upon successful milestone achievements, and will pay royalties to Antigenics on net sales for a period of at least 10 years after first commercial sale under the supply agreement.
“GSK is the world’s leading developer of preventive vaccines and novel cancer immunotherapeutics and Antigenics’ QS-21 offers GSK one of the most potent and widely used immunostimulants in development,” said Dr Garo Armen, chairman and CEO of Antigenics.