Janssen Enters Collaboration with Bavarian Nordic to Develop HBV, HIV-1 Vaccines

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, announced that it has entered into a worldwide exclusive license and collaboration agreement with Bavarian Nordic to leverage their MVA-BN® technology with Janssen’s own AdVac and DNA-based vaccine technologies in the development and commercialization of potential new vaccine regimens against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). This agreement stems from successful and ongoing collaborations between the companies to develop vaccines to address Ebola and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Data generated through the Janssen Ebola vaccine program and early insights from data published about a new HIV therapeutic vaccine approach suggest that the MVA-BN® technology platform could potentially benefit many patients when used with other vaccine technologies.

“We are committed to bringing together the best internal and external science of promising, complementary solutions and advancing them into the clinic as rapidly as possible. Our objective is to identify functional cures for HIV and HBV to control the viruses and prevent potential disease progression without the need for life-long treatment,” said Johan Van Hoof M.D., Global R&D Head, Janssen Infectious Diseases & Vaccines. “With more than 250 million people believed to be living with HBV and a further 37 million with HIV it is critical that we address these significant unmet needs.”

Under the terms of the new agreement, Janssen will conduct all clinical development and, subject to regulatory approval, be responsible for registration, distribution and commercialization of any potential new vaccine regimens worldwide. Bavarian Nordic will receive an upfront payment and be eligible to receive milestone payments based upon the achievement of specified development, regulatory and sales milestones and tiered royalties on future worldwide sales.

In addition, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc. will make an equity investment in Bavarian Nordic building on previous investment which provided capital for the development, testing and production of Bavarian Nordic’s Ebola vaccine at the height of the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions, including termination or expiration of any applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.