GlycoVaxyn AG Announces Strategic Collaboration With GlaxoSmithKline to Develop New Bacterial Vaccines using GlycoVaxyn’s Bio-Conjugation Technology

ZURICH-SCHLIEREN, Switzerland, Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GlycoVaxyn AG, a leader in the development of innovative vaccines, today announced a collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK) to develop new bacterial vaccines employing GlycoVaxyn’s bio-conjugation technology.

“GlycoVaxyn’s technology is designed to enable or improve the development of anti-bacterial conjugate vaccines by in vivo synthesis of protein-polysaccharide complexes in E. coli, via recombinant DNA technology,” said Michael Wacker, co-founder and chief scientific officer of GlycoVaxyn. “This technology could potentially broaden the range of anti-bacterial vaccines as we target our vaccine development to previously unattainable bacterial pathogens.”

The agreement includes an undisclosed set of pathogen targets in the field of bacterial vaccines. GSK retains an option to obtain an exclusive license on these targets during the three-year term of the collaboration and to extend both the term as well as scope of the collaboration. GlycoVaxyn receives an upfront payment and an equity investment. In addition, GlycoVaxyn is eligible to receive milestone payments and royalties on licensed vaccine candidates. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

“This first collaboration with a vaccine industry leader confirms the potential of our platform to generate new complex vaccines,” said Philippe Dro, chief executive officer of GlycoVaxyn. “It was made possible because of our shared passion for innovation and discovering vaccines. We are looking forward to working with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals to develop and bring to market important new vaccines that have the potential to save or change the lives of millions of people.”

About GlycoVaxyn

GlycoVaxyn is a privately-funded company developing a portfolio of novel bio-conjugate vaccines against common severe bacterial infections produced with its unique, proprietary in vivo glycosylation platform. With this platform, the company can develop and produce immunogenic glycoproteins in a biological process that circumvents many of the challenges and uncertainties involved in currently/chemical used methods. In addition to the clinical stage Shigella vaccine, lead programs in preclinical stage are aimed at the prevention of hospital acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections, as well as pneumococcal invasive diseases and uropathogenic E. coli. GlycoVaxyn is funded by a top-tier group of private investors including Sofinnova Partners, Index Ventures and Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners. For further information, visit www.glycovaxyn.com.

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SOURCE GlycoVaxyn AG