Sanofi-Aventis unit returns rights for pediatric and respiratory vaccines to Crucell; invests $65 million to expand in USA

Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell NV says it has reached agreement with Sanofi Pasteur, part of French drug major Sanofi-Aventis, to regain rights to their pediatric and respiratory vaccines program.

Under the terms of the accord, Crucell will waive its right to terminate an existing license agreement between Crucell Switzerland and Sanofi Pasteur's subsidiary Shantha Biotechnics for the development of pediatric vaccines, based on Haemophilus influenzae b. This termination right was triggered by the acquisition of Shantha by Sanofi-Aventis in July 2009 for $631 million.

At the same time, Sanofi Pasteur will return to Crucell the commercial rights that it held under an exclusive license agreement for the development and commercialization of a cell-based influenza vaccine (Flu Cell), based on Crucell's PER.C6 technology. The exclusive December 2003 deal left Crucell with marketing rights for FluCell in Japan only. With the return of the world-wide marketing rights, Crucell will assume full responsibility for the FluCell program and will commence immediately with the development of a cell-based influenza vaccine, the Dutch firm noted.