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UK pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is joining forces with a Chinese bio technology company in order to develop influenza vaccines for the Asian market.
GSK and Shenzhen Neptunus Interlong Bio-Technique will be combining their expertise to manufacture influenza vaccines for China, Hong Kong and Macau. These will include vaccines for seasonal, pre-pandemic and pandemic influenza.
GSK said it will bring access to its proprietary adjuvant system to help optimise production by increasing the number of vaccine doses that can be produced using a smaller amount of antigen.
Shenzhen Neptunus’s local manufacturing capacity and research capabilities will also be essential to the joint venture, while both companies will provide further investment in manufacturing.
Jean Stéphenne, president and general manager of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, said: “This new alliance enables GSK to build new vaccines capability in a critical emerging market such as China.
“The new Joint Venture will combine the potential of GSK’s adjuvant technology and expertise in vaccine development together with the extensive experience of Shenzhen Neptunus in the Chinese vaccines market.
“Together we will gain access to specific local influenza antigens and make available new vaccines to benefit public health in China and neighbouring territories.”
Copyright Press Association 2009
