Sector News

Pfizer bags CMV vaccine with Redvax buy

January 5, 2015
Life sciences
Pfizer has acquired a controlling interest in Redvax, a spin-off from Switzerland’s Redbiotec, giving it access to a preclinical human cytomegalovirus vaccine candidate.
 
The transaction, the financial details for which have not been disclosed, includes intellectual property and a technology platform related to a second, undisclosed vaccine programme. CMV is a herpes virus and one out of every five children born with infection may experience hearing loss and severe neurologic disorders.
 
Pfizer noted that more children have disabilities due to congenital CMV than “other well-known infections and syndromes”, including Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, spina bifida and paediatric HIV/AIDS. It also cited the Institute of Medicine’s ranking of the development of a CMV vaccine as a highest priority; the estimated costs associated with the disease for the US healthcare system is at least $1.86 billion annually, more than $300,000 per child.
 
Kathrin Jansen, head of vaccine research and early development at Pfizer, said that with the acquisition of Redvax, “we will seek to develop a vaccine to prevent a difficult disease that can have a devastating and lifelong impact on young children.”
 
By Kevin Grogan
 
Source: Pharma Times

comments closed

Related News

April 26, 2024

Former Bristol Myers CEO tapped as Novartis’ next board chair

Life sciences

Giovanni Caforio, the former CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, is set to become the next board chairman of Novartis, which on Tuesday proposed the pharmaceutical industry veteran as its pick to replace Joerg Reinhardt in the role next year. Reinhardt has served as Novartis’ chair since 2013 and plans to retire when his 12-year term ends in 2025.

April 26, 2024

GE HealthCare launches voice-activated, AI-powered ultrasound machines for women’s health

Life sciences

GE HealthCare has raised the curtain on two ultrasound systems equipped with artificial intelligence programs designed to assist in diagnosing conditions in women’s health, including obstetric exams. The Voluson Signature 20 and 18 imaging systems include AI tools capable of automatically identifying and annotating measurements of fetal anatomy.

April 26, 2024

Scientists reveal new method that could reduce waste from drug manufacturing

Life sciences

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry have revealed a new sustainable method of manufacturing complex molecules that could reduce waste produced during drug production. The method published in Nature Chemistry could help to prevent severe side effects caused by drugs that can exist as enantiomers.

How can we help you?

We're easy to reach