Johnson and Johnson arm establishes vaccine partnership with Crucell

Johnson and Johnson subsidiary Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals has signed an agreement with Crucell for the joint development of monoclonal antibodies and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of influenza and other infectious and non-infectious diseases.

One of the major focuses of the partnership will be the establishment and commercialisation of a universal monoclonal antibody product, while in the long term, the organisations aim to develop a universal flu vaccine.

Additionally, Johnson and Johnson has purchased 14.6 million newly-issued ordinary shares of Crucell for 301.8 million euros (274.4 million pounds) through its associate firm JHC Nederland BV.

Paul Stoffels, global head of pharmaceuticals research and development at Johnson and Johnson, commented: “We are excited about this collaboration with Crucell because it provides us access to antibody and vaccine know-how and technology and expands our ability to offer preventive health care solutions.”

Johnson and Johnson subsidiary Advanced Sterilisation Products recently launched the STERRAD 100NX System Express Cycle in Europe, which is designed for terminal surface sterilisation of da Vinci 3D endoscopes, rigid telescopes and rechargeable batteries.