MedImmune and Cerus sign vaccine deal

US firms MedImmune and Cerus Corp have entered into a collaboration to develop and commercialize a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of cancers of the breast, prostate and colon, as well as metastatic melanomas.

"Cerus Corporation's therapeutic vaccine technology greatly complements MedImmune's existing program targeting the EphA2 protein in cancer," said Peter Kiener, vice president, research, at MedImmune. "Because EphA2 is overexpressed by many types of human cancers, we believe Cerus' technology may be employed to develop a vaccine that can stimulate the immune system to attack cancerous cells expressing EphA2," he added.

Under the terms of the agreement, MedImmune will be responsible for clinical evaluation, manufacturing and commercialization of any product arising from the alliance.