Hilleman Laboratories, a Merck & Co and UK-based Wellcome Trust joint venture, has partnered with bio-pharmaceutical firm Gotovax AB for developing a lower-priced oral cholera vaccine.
"Hilleman Laboratories aims to deliver the vaccine at a significantly more affordable price than the ones currently available in the market," Hilleman Laboratories Chief Executive Officer Davinder Gill told reporters here today.
The vaccine will reduce the burden of disease due to lower price, increased thermostability and reduction of projected gap in supply by current manufacturers, he added.
This vaccine candidate is suited for geographies with the high cholera burden such as Africa and South Asia, Gill said.
When asked about the details of collaboration with Gotovax AB Gill said: "Under the agreement, Hilleman Laboratories will have worldwide exclusive rights to the vaccine candidate."
Hilleman Laboratories will further develop this vaccine and will be responsible for vaccine formulation and commercialisation, he added.
When asked about the details of the licensing fees agreement, Gill said it is a 'modest payment' without giving the details.
Merck & Co and Wellcome Trust plan to invest equally in the Hilleman Laboratories that will be primed with a combined cash contribution of GBP 90 million over seven years and support nearly 60 researchers and developers.
