GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has entered into a joint venture with leading vaccines company Biological E Limited for early stage research and development of six-in-one combination paediatric vaccine to protect children in India and developing countries from polio and other infectious diseases.
Once approved, the vaccine would combine GSK’s injectable polio vaccine and Biological E’s pentavalent vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, whopping cough, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenza type B. It would enable fewer injections for children, thereby improving compliance in immunisation schedules.
The fully-liquid formulation of the vaccine would ensure that it would be ready to use with no additional ingredients or materials required.
The joint venture would bear the costs of the candidate vaccine that was expected to enter Phase-I development in two years.
The two companies would make small cash investment to cover start-up costs and subsequent development costs would be split equally.
GSK Vaccines President Christophe Weber said the agreement fully aligned to its vision of providing high quality vaccines.
Biological E Chairman Vijay Kumar Datla said the relation with GSK was validation of the investments made in vaccine technology and quality, a release said.
