Dohme to extend Intercell alliance

Merck Sharp & Dohm has extended its partnership with Intercell in the development of a vaccine against group A streptococcus infections.

The agreement will see Intercell provide Merck with group A streptococcus-specific antigens that have been identified by its Antigen Indentification Programme. It will see Merck provide a GBP five million upfront payment, followed by milestone payments of up to GBP 40 million.

Merck is given the option under the agreement to develop human monoclonal antibodies identified by Intercell to treat and protect against severe infections caused by group A streptococcus.

The streptococcus pathogen is responsible for “significant disease burden globally”, is highly infectious and often leads to patients having to undergo multiple cycles of antibiotic treatment, according to Intercell.

John Shiver, vice president of vaccines and biologics research at Merck commented: “Merck has been a world leader in bringing vaccines to the market to combat diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality.”

“Our efforts to develop a vaccine against group A streptococcus infections demonstrate Merck’s continuing commitment to combat infectious diseases through innovative vaccines,” he added.

Merck Sharp & Dohme recently entered an agreement with Aesica, which is to supply the pharmaceutical manufacturer with intermediates and active ingredients over a number of years.

The agreement coincided with Aesica’s acquisition of Merck’s Ponders End site, which is a high-tech manufacturing facility based in Enfield, north London. The plant has the capacity to produce 300 tonnes of products per year, with its current employees being passed on to Aesica’s management.