PepTcell signs R&D accord for Chagas vacc with Gador

UK biotechnology firm PepTcell and Argentinean drugmaker Gador SA have entered an R&D collaboration to develop a novel T-cell vaccine for Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease with no adequate treatment or vaccination.

PepTcell will develop the T-cell vaccine using its proprietary technology and expertise to identify parasitic proteins capable of inducing a T-cell immune response. Once the vaccine is ready to enter Phase III, Gador will assume responsibility for its development and commercialization in Argentina and manufacturing. PepTcell will receive undisclosed royalties based on net sales. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Stuart Robinson, head of business development at PepTcell, said: "with our expertise in T-cell vaccine development, coupled with Gador's resources and experience of the Latin American market, we believe this T-cell vaccine development program could revolutionize the management of Chagas disease. Currently, there are only two pharmaceutical treatments available for Chagas disease, both with serious side effects, and we are very excited by the prospect of developing an effective vaccine." Chagas disease affects approximately 18 million people in Latin America and hinders socioeconomic development in the region where 120 million are at risk of contracting the infection.