GSK Signs Partnership With Fiocruz

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has signed a partnership with Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) to develop and manufacture vaccines for pressing public health priorities in Brazil. The agreement will establish a new research and development collaboration programme at Fiocruz to develop a vaccine for dengue fever.

GSK will also provide Fiocruz with access to the technology behind its 10-valent conjugate vaccine for paediatric pneumococcal disease, internationally known as Synflorix. Moreover, GSK will supply Synflorix to Fiocruz until the technology transfer is completed.

The 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Synflorix, which protects against life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia, was approved by Brazilian regulatory authorities on 22 June 2009.

Jean Stephenne, president and CEO of GSK Biologicals, said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Fiocruz for the production of vaccines, and today marks the first step of an even stronger partnership which includes a joint R&D initiative. With Fiocruz’s expertise, we can help to protect Brazilian children from pneumococcal disease today and collaborate on innovative technologies to address Brazil’s public health needs over the coming years.”