CureVac NV (NASDAQ:CVAC) as part of the restructuring initiative, GSK (NYSE:GSK) acquires full rights to globally develop, manufacture and commercialize mRNA vaccine candidates against influenza and COVID-19 for €1.45 billion plus royalties.
fresh agreement extends CureVac (CVAC) cash by 2028, as the German biopharmaceutical company expects to deliver at least two clinical candidates by the end of 2025 and plans to initiate at least two fresh Phase 1 studies by the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, GSK (GSK) continues to expand and optimize its mRNA capabilities through investments and partnerships, including AI/ML-based sequence optimization, nanoparticle design and manufacturing.
The fresh agreement replaces all previous financial arrangements contained in the previous collaboration agreement between GSK (GSK) and CureVac (CVAC), the companies added.
In addition, CureVac (CVAC) retains exclusive rights to additional undisclosed and preclinically validated infectious disease targets from the prior collaboration, as well as the freedom to independently develop and manufacture partner mRNA vaccines for other infectious diseases or indications.
The fresh agreement does not affect CureVac’s ongoing patent dispute with Pfizer/BioNTech.
“This new license agreement puts us in a strong financial position and allows us to focus our efforts on building a strong R&D pipeline,” said Alexander Zehnder, CEO of CureVac.
The fresh agreement remains subject to certain antitrust and regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
