Sanofi and SK bioscience have entered into a new chapter of their collaboration in pneumococcal vaccines with an expanded agreement to develop, license and commercialize next-generation PCVs for both pediatric and adult populations, reaffirming their commitment to fighting pneumococcal disease.
Despite decades of public health vaccination programs, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) continues to inflict a substantial burden of disease, primarily due to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes that are not included in currently available conjugate vaccines. Next-generation PCVs have the potential to extend vaccine coverage of disease-causing serotypes.
This expansion builds on the companies’ existing collaboration to develop and commercialize a PCV21 pediatric vaccine, for which the phase 3 clinical program commenced last week. This vaccine candidate is the first-ever PCV containing more than 20 serotypes to enter a phase 3 clinical study in infants and toddlers.
Pneumococcal disease remains a major global health challenge despite the availability of current vaccines. This 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV21) is the first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate with more than 20 serotypes entering phase 3 in infants & toddlers.
Thomas Triomphe, Executive Vice President, Vaccines, Sanofi, said “Given the vast unmet public health needs in invasive pneumococcal disease, we’re delighted to expand this collaboration and continue our pursuit of innovative work in PCV. Our collaboration leverages SK bioscience’s capabilities and Sanofi’s expertise in developing and bringing innovative vaccines to people worldwide with the collective aim of reducing the global impact of pneumococcal disease.”
Jaeyong Ahn, CEO and President of SK bioscience, says: “We’re thrilled about the expansion of our collaboration with Sanofi, which serves as the core of our strategy to develop new solutions to combat pneumococcal disease. The ongoing expansion of our state-of-the-art manufacturing base, cofinanced by Sanofi, will support launch of PCV21 and future next-generation vaccines.”
The PCV21 phase 3 program is based on positive phase 2 results communicated last year and will include more than 7,700 infants, toddlers, young children and adolescents across multiple geographies, including the US, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Latin America.
Under the terms of their expanded agreement, both companies will co-fund research and development costs. Sanofi will pay EUR 50 million upfront to SK bioscience, followed by development and commercial milestone payments. Once registered, Sanofi will commercialize the vaccines worldwide except for South Korea, where SK bioscience will have commercial exclusivity. SK bioscience will receive royalty payments on product sales outside South Korea.
Sick and tired of always wondering if you are being asked to pay the right price for your APIs? This empowers you with the answers you need to make the right decisions in the Global API market.
Chemxpert Database is one of the biggest and most comprehensive directories of pharma and chemicals, manufacturers, suppliers and information. Provided with current information on prices, demand and transactions, it gives you instant feedback on whether you are buying what is right and at the right time.
Start using market intelligence today and allow yourself to be in control in the API market.
Check it out today and make more informed sourcing decisions! Learn More!