Takeda to expand rights related to Nanotherapeutics’ Vero cell technology platform

Nanotherapeutics acquired Vero cell technology from Baxalta, formerly Baxter International’s BioScience division.

Earlier in 2010, Takeda licensed from Baxter certain exclusive rights to the technology to develop pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines for the Japanese market.

Takeda’s cell culture-based H5N1 and prototype vaccine for pandemic influenza was developed based on this platform and was approved in Japan in March 2014.

Currently, Takeda is developing a cell-based seasonal flu vaccine (TAK-850) on the same platform for use in Japan.

The deal with Nanotherapeutics extinguishes Takeda’s remaining financial obligations under the initial agreement with Baxter.

Takeda Vaccine Business Unit president Rajeev Venkayya said: "We are delighted to partner with Nanotherapeutics to create the opportunity to expand the reach of Takeda’s pandemic and seasonal flu vaccines to other parts of the world.

"Today’s agreement reinforces Takeda’s commitment to its global vaccine business and our goal of reaching as many people as possible with vaccines that address important unmet needs in global public health."

In addition, Takeda secures rights to commercialize its pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccine products, based on the Vero cell technology platform, in certain regions outside of Japan and will have access to the technology and reagents to develop vaccines beyond influenza.