CSL Limited recently announces that its subsidiary, CSL Seqirus, has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc (“Arcturus Therapeutics”) to access their late stage self-amplifying mRNA (sa-mRNA) vaccine platform technology.
Arcturus Therapeutics is currently developing next generation mRNA vaccines. It has developed a COVID-19 vaccine candidate and has recently reported results from a large Phase III vaccine efficacy study, meeting its primary and secondary endpoints of prevention of infection and severe disease with a favorable safety and tolerability profile.
“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to complement CSL’s own next generation mRNA program with a partner who developed a platform to deliver late stage clinical supplies at scale. These combined capabilities will accelerate our journey in mRNA,” said CSL Chief Operating Officer Paul McKenzie.
Steve Marlow, CSL Seqirus General Manager, added “Importantly, it is another step towards our long-term aim to advance public health by developing and commercializing enhanced vaccines for influenza and multi-pathogen pandemic preparedness. The collaboration also provides a pathway to offer a COVID-19 booster, providing another differentiated option to healthcare providers and governments around the world.”
CSL Seqirus is a global leader in influenza prevention and has a longstanding heritage in influenza vaccines. This along with CSL R&D’s established capabilities in vaccine research and clinical development, positions CSL well to make strategic investments in both the development of the company’s existing platforms and in longer-term, high opportunity development activities.
CSL Seqirus produces influenza vaccines across its global manufacturing network, which includes facilities in the U.S., U.K. and Australia. CSL also continues to grow its R&D footprint and is investing in a new facility located in Waltham, Mass. that will support the company’s R&D portfolio, with a focus on the sa-mRNA technology platform. This facility will serve as an R&D center for current and future vaccine design, and collaborations with stakeholders from across industry and academia.
CSL’s Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Bill Mezzanotte said, “This collaboration on next generation mRNA is another example of CSL’s relentless pursuit of disruptive innovation when public health and patients can benefit. We look forward to working closely with Arcturus to shape the future therapeutic landscape of influenza vaccines and also using this exciting scientific and strategic platform to develop and commercialize vaccines for other seasonal and pandemic respiratory viruses with high unmet need.”
