The CMV vaccine program will complement Pfizer's robust research portfolio
Pfizer has announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in Redvax GmbH, a Swiss biopharmaceutical company. This transaction provides access to a preclinical human cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine candidate, as well as intellectual property and a technology platform related to a second, undisclosed vaccine program.
The CMV vaccine program will complement Pfizer's robust research portfolio of high-quality and life-saving investigational vaccines and place it among the leaders in CMV research and development. CMV is a herpes virus, infecting 50-90 percent of the adult population, with a majority remaining asymptomatic. A large segment of young adults, especially women of childbearing age who remain CMV negative, are at high risk of CMV infection during pregnancy and of passing the infection on to the unborn child (congenital infection). There are potentially serious and lifelong consequences for babies born with the disease. One out of every five children born with CMV infection may experience hearing loss and severe neurologic disorders. More children have disabilities due to congenital CMV than other well-known infections and syndromes, including Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, spina bifida, and pediatric HIV/AIDS.
"We are working to bring innovative vaccines to market that prevent and treat serious diseases. Through the acquisition of the Redvax innovative CMV vaccine platform and expertise we will seek to develop a vaccine to prevent a difficult disease that can have a devastating and lifelong impact on young children," said Dr Kathrin U Jansen, senior vice president and CSO Vaccine Research and Early Development for Pfizer.
Mr Christian Schaub, MD, Redvax said, "We are pleased to have completed this deal with Pfizer, a global leader in vaccines. This represents an important step toward the development of a much needed vaccine for CMV, a disease that has a devastating impact on children and families. We believe that combining Redvax's assets with Pfizer's commitment, expertise and resources will significantly enhance the potential of developing this important vaccine."
The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
