Xiamen Innovax Biotech Co., Ltd., a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK, NYSE: GSK), a leading UK pharmaceutical giant, have agreed to terminate their alliance for the development and commercialization of next-generation human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. The partnership, which began in September 2019, resulted in the creation of HPV9-AS04, a promising HPV vaccine candidate. The vaccine was developed using Innovax Biotech’s Escherichia coli prokaryotic expression vaccine antigen technology, combined with GSK’s adjuvant technology. Innovax was responsible for manufacturing in China, while GSK was to handle overseas development and manufacturing of vaccine adjuvants and finished vaccines.
This decision leads to the cancellation of the further development of HPV9-AS04. However, an ongoing Phase II study for the vaccine will continue as planned. As a result of the termination, Innovax will not retain exclusive agency rights to the vaccine in China and other territories, and will not receive any additional milestone payments. The EUR 22 million already paid to Innovax by GSK will not be returned.- Flcube.com
