Merck, NewLink Genetics Partner On Investigational Ebola Vaccine
By Cyndi Root
Merck and NewLink Genetics Corporation have partnered to develop NewLink’s investigational rVSV-EBOV (Ebola) vaccine candidate. The companies announced the collaboration in a press release, stating that the vaccine was originally developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Dr. Julie Gerberding, president of Merck Vaccines, said, “Merck is committed to applying our vaccine expertise to address important global health needs and, through our collaboration with NewLink, we hope to advance the public health response to this urgent international health priority.”
Merck and NewLink Genetics Agreement
The rVSV-EBOV vaccine is currently licensed to a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewLink Genetics, while PHAC retains non-commercial rights. Under the terms of the agreement between Merck and NewLink, Merck acquires the rights to the vaccine candidate and any follow-on products. Dr. Charles Link, chairman and CEO of NewLink Genetics also commented on the new collaboration, “Merck's vaccine development expertise, commercial leadership, and history of successful strategic alliances make it an ideal partner to expedite the development of rVSV-EBOV.” The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
rVSV-EBOV Vaccine
Built on a platform of an attenuated strain of vesicular stomatitis virus, the rVSV-EBOV vaccine is modified to express an Ebola virus protein. PHAC developed the vaccine with funding from the CBRN Research and Technology Initiative, part of Defense Research and Development Canada. PHAC licensed the vaccine in 2010 to BioProtection Systems (BPS), a NewLink Genetics subsidiary. BPS has developed the vaccine and moved it into Phase 1 studies at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in conjunction with the Canadian Immunization Research Network, will coordinate clinical research centers in Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, and Gabon to conduct additional Phase 1 studies on the vaccine. Depending on Phase 1 results, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will conduct a large, controlled Phase 3 study of the candidate in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The federal agencies will also work with GlaxoSmithKline on other investigational Ebola vaccines.
About NewLink Genetics
NewLink Genetics is located in Ames, Iowa. Its portfolio includes biologic and small molecule immunotherapy products for a variety of oncology indications. Its subsidiary BioProtection Systems focuses on vaccines for infectious disease, including prophylactic and therapeutic treatments.