Leiden, The Netherlands, March 7, 2007 - Dutch biotechnology company Crucell N.V. (Euronext, NASDAQ: CRXL) today announced it will receive up to USD$5 million from Rockville, Maryland-headquartered Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation to support the advanced development of the candidate AdVac-based tuberculosis vaccine.
"This technology, which is based on one of the most advanced vector delivery systems for induction of cellular immunity, represents an important part of the portfolio of vaccines we are developing against tuberculosis," said Dr. Jerald C. Sadoff, President & CEO of Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation. "We are excited about our continued collaboration with Crucell to support the process development and manufacturing of this promising vaccine candidate."
In March 2004, Aeras and Crucell entered into a collaborative agreement for the development of a PER.C6® and AdVac®-based TB vaccine. The vaccine entered the phase I clinical trial in October 2006.
"Aeras' commitment toward the development of a tuberculosis vaccine is highly commendable," said Crucell's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Jaap Goudsmit. "We feel such a pledge is very important as it strengthens not only the basis of our partnership but also highlights the importance of our technologies."