(1888PressRelease)
May 27, 2009 - Through this agreement, Novartis will manufacture the vaccine and supply it to Takeda, which will obtain exclusive rights to license, market and distribute the vaccine in Japan.
The WHO estimates that Hib is responsible for some three million serious illnesses and an estimated 386,000 deaths per year world wide, chiefly through meningitis and pneumonia[1]. Every year in Japan, 7.5 per 100,000, or more than 450 children, under the age of five are affected by Hib meningitis[2]. Almost all victims are children under the age of five.
"Novartis is committed to bringing Vaxem-HibŪ to Japan as soon as possible to help protect Japanese children from Meningitis and other Hib induced infectious diseases through this strategic partnership with Takeda," said Dr. Andrin Oswald, CEO of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. "Vaxem-HibŪ is the first of many vaccines that Novartis hopes to bring to Japan to help improve public health and address unmet medical needs."
Vaxem-HibŪ will mark Novartis entrance into the Japan vaccines market and is part of Novartis Vaccines global expansion strategy. Japan is the world's third largest vaccine market valued at USD 640 million and is expected to grow further.
With this agreement Takeda will become the exclusive partner for Vaxem-Hib in Japan, and will be responsible for conducting clinical trials and submitting a New Drug Application (NDA). Following approval, Takeda will label the product and sell the vaccine under the Novartis brand name. Under the terms of the deal, Takeda will pay Novartis 100 million Yen upfront and will be responsible for paying milestones and royalties in accordance with development and sales of the product.
About Novartis
Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics is a division of Novartis focused on the development of preventive treatments. The division has two businesses: Novartis Vaccines and Chiron. Novartis Vaccines is the world's fifth-largest vaccines manufacturer and second-largest supplier of flu vaccines in the US. The division's products also include meningococcal, pediatric and travel vaccines.
http://www.novartis.com
Eric Althoff
Novartis Global Media Relations
+41 61 324 7999 (direct)
+41 79 593 4202 (mobile)
eric.althoff ( @ ) novartis dot com
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