Novartis, BioE join hands for typhoid, paratyphoid vaccines

Under the licence, NVGH will transfer technology to Hyderabad-based BioE

Switzerland-based drug major Novartis today said it has entered into a development and licensing agreement with Biological E (BioE) for two vaccines against typhoid and paratyphoid fevers.

Under the licence, Novartis Vaccines Institute for Global Health (NVGH) will transfer technology to Hyderabad-based BioE, which will have financial and operational responsibility for manufacturing, further clinical development, approval and distribution in the developing world, Novartis said in a statement.

The agreement is worldwide except for developed countries, where Novartis will retain rights, it added.

"The agreement advances the Novartis goal to deliver accessible and affordable vaccines that address unmet medical need in endemic regions," Novartis said.

Commenting on the partnership, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research VP and Global Head of Infectious Diseases Don Ganem said: "BioE has a proven track record in vaccine manufacture and capabilities to clinically develop and deliver WHO pre-qualified affordable vaccines to the developing world. We are pleased to be working with them to address this unmet need."

The typhoid vaccine (Vi-CRM197) has achieved 'Proof of Concept' and has successful Phase 2 results. It will be transferred to BioE, Novartis said.

"A combined typhoid-paratyphoid vaccine will be transferred once proof of concept is completed through early, small-scale studies in humans to determine safety and immunogenicity," it added.