Crucell said that the termination right was triggered by the acquisition of Shantha by sanofi pasteur in July 2009.
Whereas, Sanofi pasteur would have to return the commercial rights to Crucell that Sanofi pasteur held under an exclusive license agreement for the development and commercialisation of a cell-based influenza vaccine (FluCell), based on Crucell’s PER C6 technology.
The exclusive license, agreed upon in December 2003, left Crucell with marketing rights for FluCell in Japan only. With the return of the world-wide marketing rights, Crucell is expected to take up full responsibility for the FluCell program and will commence immediately with the development of a cell-based influenza vaccine.
Ronald Brus, CEO of Crucell, said: “Together with our Taiwanese partner Adimmune, we have been able to successfully increase the future availability of flu antigen for Inflexal V, our virosomal adjuvanted influenza vaccine. The introduction of cell-based Inflexal V will be the next giant leap for Crucell’s respiratory franchise.”
Jerald Sadoff, chief medical officer of Crucell, said: “Combining our PER C6production system with our proven virosomal technology creates an exciting new method to produce an influenza vaccine both at large scale and very competitive cost levels.
“I am confident that we will be able to accelerate this program and expect to apply for licensure in 2014. In addition, our successful partnership with Sanofi on the development of our rabies antibody program is progressing well. This progress with the next generation rabies treatment brings us closer to the moment when all-in-need will get adequate treatment against rabies.”