Sanofi Launches Phase III Program for its VPC21 Vaccine and Expands Collaboration with SK Bioscience to Develop Next-Generation Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Sanofi and SK Bioscience are entering a new chapter in their collaboration in the field of pneumococcal vaccines and are expanding it to include the development, approval and commercialization of a new generation of PCVs for children and adults, reaffirming their commitment to combating pneumococcal infections.
Although vaccination programs have been in place for several decades, the public health burden of invasive pneumococcal infections (IPIs) remains significant, particularly those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes , which are not targeted by currently available conjugate vaccines. Next-generation PCVs have the potential to cover a wider range of pneumococcal serotypes.
The expansion of the agreement builds on the collaboration the two companies have established to develop and commercialize a pediatric PCV21 vaccine, which entered Phase III clinical trials last week. This is the first conjugate vaccine candidate against more than 20 pneumococcal serotypes to enter a Phase III program in infants and young children.
Thomas Triomphe
Executive Vice President, Vaccines, Sanofi
“Given the public health burden of IPD and the significant unmet need, we are pleased to expand this collaboration and continue our innovative work on PCVs. This collaboration leverages SK Bioscience’s capabilities and Sanofi’s expertise in developing and commercializing innovative vaccines for everyone, everywhere, to help reduce the global impact of pneumococcal disease.”
Jaeyong Ahn
CEO and President of SK Bioscience
"We are pleased to expand our collaboration with Sanofi, which is at the heart of our strategy to develop new solutions to combat pneumococcal infections. The ongoing expansion of our vaccine manufacturing facility, co-funded by Sanofi, will enable the launch of VPC21 and a future generation of vaccines."
The Phase III program for VPC21 follows positive Phase II results reported last year. More than 7,700 infants, toddlers, children and adolescents will be enrolled in countries including the United States and Australia, as well as in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Under the expanded agreement, the two companies will co-finance research and development expenses. Sanofi will make an initial payment of €50 million to SK Bioscience, followed by milestone payments based on the achievement of development and commercialization goals. Once the vaccine is approved, Sanofi will be responsible for commercializing it worldwide, with the exception of South Korea, where SK Bioscience will have exclusive sales rights. SK Bioscience will also receive royalties on sales of the product outside South Korea.
About Sanofi
We are a global healthcare company driven by purpose and innovation: pursuing the miracles of science to improve people's lives. Across the world, our teams are working to transform the practice of medicine to make the impossible, possible. We provide life-changing therapeutic solutions and vaccines that protect millions of people around the world, guided by our sustainability ambition and corporate social responsibility.
Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY.
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Source: globenewswire.com
