GlaxoSmithKline enters partnership for nicotine vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline has been granted the licensing agreement for the nicotine conjugate candidate vaccine NicVAX from Nabi.

The vaccine is currently under trial for the treatment of nicotine addiction and the prevention of a smoking relapse.

Additionally, the agreement between the two firms extends to the development of a second similar product.

As part of the contract, Nabi will be paid an upfront sum of $40 million (23.7 million pounds) and will retain the option to in-license NicVAX worldwide.

Jean Stephenne, president of GSK Biologicals, stated: “If approved, this smoking cessation vaccine technology could be a novel solution to help the millions of smokers who want to stop smoking and remain abstinent.”

Meanwhile, another GlaxoSmithKline product – its H1N1 influenza virus vaccine – was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last week.