Crucell and Sanofi Pasteur to collaborate on rabies monoclonal antibodies

Crucell and Sanofi Pasteur have announced an agreement to develop Crucell’s rabies monoclonal antibodies.

The antibodies are dubbed by Crucell to be the next-generation rabies biologicals to be used in association with rabies vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis against the disease.

Under the terms of the agreement, Crucell will continue to undertake development activities as well being responsible for the manufacturing of the final product and distributing in Europe.

The Dutch pharmaceutical firm will also receive a payment of ten million euros (7.3 million pounds) and will be eligible for milestone payments of up to 66.5 million euros as well as receiving an undisclosed percentage on sales of the final product.

Wayne Pisano, president and chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur, expressed the company’s delight in signing the agreement with Crucell.

“Adding a next-generation rabies treatment to our well-established rabies product range will further position the company as a leading force to help prevent this fatal disease,” he stated.

Crucell has confirmed that a combination of two rabies monoclonal antibodies have shown favourable results and expects to enter into phase II trials in the first half of 2008.

Late last year, Sanofi Pasteur signed a global agreement with Acambis to develop and market a West Nile disease vaccine.