Affinivax is engaged in developing novel class of vaccines, including the advanced next-generation 24-valent pneumococcal vaccine candidate (AFX3772), and a 30-plus valent pneumococcal vaccine candidate
GSK Vaccines Headquarters Belgium. (Credit: GSK plc.)
UK-based GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has closed its previously announced acquisition of US-based biopharmaceutical company Affinivax, for a total consideration of $3.3bn.
In May, GSK has signed an agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of Affinivax.
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the British drugmaker is expected to make an upfront payment of $2.1bn, and up to $1.2bn in potential milestone payments.
Affinivax is engaged in developing novel class of vaccines, including the advanced next-generation pneumococcal vaccines.
The company develops a next-generation 24-valent pneumococcal vaccine candidate (AFX3772), currently being developed in Phase 2 trials.
In addition, Affinivax also develops a 30-plus valent pneumococcal vaccine candidate, which is currently in pre-clinical development.
GSK said that the acquisition of Affinivax is in line with its strategy of building a strong portfolio of specialty medicines and vaccines.
GSK chief scientific officer Tony Wood said: “Affinivax’s exciting pneumococcal vaccine candidates, the potentially disruptive MAPs technology and their fantastic scientific talent, further strengthen our pipeline of novel vaccines and presence in the Boston area”.
Affinivax has designed the AFX3772 vaccine candidate based on its Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS) platform technology.
MAPS is said to enable the precise, high-affinity binding of pathogen-derived polysaccharides and proteins of immune-relevance into a single vaccine.
Also, the vaccine technology platform supports high valency than conventional conjugation technologies, enabling wide coverage against prevalent pneumococcal serotypes.
In the adult Phase ½ clinical trials, AFX3772 was well tolerated in participants and demonstrated good immune responses compared to the current standard of care.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for AFX3772 in July last year, to prevent pneumonia in adults aged 50 years and above.
In June this year, the company has started Phase 2 clinical trials, to assess the use of the vaccine in the paediatric population, and is currently preparing to start the Phase 3 program.