Intercell, GSK To Develop, Commercialise Needle-Free Patch-Based Vaccines

Intercell and GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK) will form a strategic alliance to accelerate the development and commercialisation of needle-free, patch-based vaccines. The agreement will include Intercell’s candidate vaccine for travelers’ diarrhea (TD) and an investigational single application influenza vaccine, and the use of the patch technology for other vaccines in GSK’s portfolio.

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will make an up-front cash contribution of E33.6m, in addition to an equity investment of up to E84m through a staggered shareholding purchase option of up to 5 % in Intercell.

Included in the agreement are Intercell’s investigational TD vaccine, currently in Phase III, and an investigational single application influenza vaccine in Phase II, and other potential future patch vaccines.

Gerd Zettlmeissl, chief executive officer of Intercell, said: “This new partnership is combining the forces of Intercell’s innovative needle-free vaccination program and technologies with a vaccine leader’s strength in development and commercialisation. In addition, we can pursue our business strategy of creating significant shareholder value as an independent company whilst continuing to develop one of the most innovative product pipelines in the industry.”

Jean Stephenne, president of GSK Biologicals, said: “This novel technology has real potential to change the way vaccines are delivered in the future. GSK has an extensive portfolio of vaccines and we believe needle-free vaccination could offer benefits such as simplified administration and increased compliance.

“This agreement demonstrates how, as an integral part of our R&D program, we not only look at new vaccines but also at alternative approaches to oral and intramuscular administration.”

GSK and Intercell will collaborate on the TD Vaccine patch, currently in phase III, to commercialise this vaccine once it has gained regulatory approval. The agreement will also include a collaboration between the two companies to further develop and co-market the influenza vaccination approach.