GSK takes steps to set up flu JV in China

UK drug giant GlaxoSmithKline has signed an exclusive cooperation agreement with China's Shenzhen Neptunus Interlong Bio-Technique (NIBT) as a preliminary step in forming a joint venture between the two. The accord outlines the proposed terms for establishing a JV company, which will seek to co-develop seasonal influenza vaccines and pre-pandemic/pandemic flu vaccines, firstly targeting against strains of the virus specific to China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Jean Stephenne, president of GSK Biologicals, commented: "this collaboration marks another step in our strategy to build our vaccines presence in critical emerging markets, such as China. The joint venture will combine the potential of GSK's adjuvant technology and expertise in vaccine development together with NIBT's extensive experience of the Chinese vaccines market and make use of their access to specific local influenza antigens. We are pleased to bring our technologies and expertise for new vaccines for the benefit of Chinese public health."