Pfizer expands CMV portfolio with Redvax acquisition

Pfizer has announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in Redvax, a spin-off from the privately held Swiss biopharmaceutical company Redbiotec.

Specialising in the development of multi-component virus-like particles and other protein assemblies for vaccine development, Redvax is the creator of a promising preclinical human cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine candidate that Pfizer now owns.

This programme is expected to complement Pfizer's existing research portfolio of high-quality investigational vaccines, while placing the company among the leaders in the field of CMV research and development.

In addition to this CMV vaccine, the deal includes intellectual property rights and a technology platform related to a second, undisclosed vaccine programme.

Dr Kathrin Jansen, senior vice-president and chief scientific officer for vaccine research and early development at Pfizer, said: "Through the acquisition of the Redvax innovative CMV vaccine platform and expertise, we will seek to develop a vaccine to prevent a difficult disease that can have a devastating and lifelong impact on young children."

Pfizer previously strengthened its vaccines business last month with the completion of its acquisition of Baxter's marketed vaccines division. This move gave the company access to agents that protect against meningitis and tick-borne encephalitis, among others.