Medivas Signs License Agreement with Protheon for Avian Flu Vaccine

摘要

Protheon Inc, a university-based venture company in Korea has entered into an evaluation and license agreement with San Diego-based biologies major, MediVas for the development of an avian influenza vaccine. According to the agreement, MediVas has been granted an exclusive period for evaluation of Protheon's proprietary protein folding technology for the production of vaccine antigens. MediVas plans to use the Protheon technology in combination with its own proprietary biodegradable and biocompatiblepolymer technology to increase influenza vaccine efficacy. As per the deal, MediVas will provide US 1 million dollar to Protheon if the license is exercised and an additional US 4 million dollar upon first commercial sale of a vaccine in the US. In addition, MediVas agrees to pay an undisclosed royalty rate to Protheon on global sales of the vaccine. By combining the proven MediVas polymer delivery system with the superior Protheon antigens, the two companies believe they can develop a safe, low cost and easily manufacturable vaccine which can provide a viable option for a possible global shortage of pandemic vaccine in time of need.