Reverse genetics is a method by which viruses such as influenza can be generated entirely from segments of DNA. For potential pandemic influenza vaccines, reverse genetics can be a useful technology because the process does not require manufacturers to work directly with potentially highly infectious pandemic strains, such as H5N1, rather only segments of the virus’s genome.
MedImmune will receive an upfront payment and has the potential to receive royalties on certain vaccine stockpiles or sales of other influenza products developed using the reverse genetics technology.
MedImmune has already begun applying its reverse genetics technology to its own pandemic research efforts, and is currently analyzing data from a phase I study of an intranasal H5N1 influenza vaccine candidate based on the technology.