Astellas agrees licensing deal for cytomegalovirus vaccine TransVax

Astellas has agreed a new licensing arrangement with Vical Incorporated to obtain global rights to commercialise the cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine treatment TransVax.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Astellas is to assume responsibility for the continuing development and international marketing of the drug, which is designed to control CMV activation among transplant recipients.

The treatment is set to begin a phase III trial among haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients in the first half of 2012, as well as a phase II study among solid organ transplant recipients.

In return for rights to TransVax, manufacturer Vical will receive a total payment of up to $130 million (80.7 million pounds) in upfront and milestone-based fees.

Yoshihiko Hatanaka, president and chief executive officer of Astellas, said: "We are excited to advance this programme toward commercialisation to offer transplant recipients a vaccine option for potentially safe and effective control of CMV."

Last month, Astellas announced that its affiliate Agensys is expanding its partnership with Seattle Genetics, an arrangement that will see them jointly develop an antibody-drug conjugate called ASG-22ME.