GAITHERSBURG, Md., Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — GenVec, Inc.
(Nasdaq:
GNVC) today announced that the company will be working with
Merial to develop and commercialize GenVec’s proprietary vaccine
technology for use against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Merial is
the leading FMD vaccine producer in the world, with leading
positions in all key markets. Under the agreement, Merial will be
responsible for all costs related to the development and
commercialization of FMD vaccines developed through the
collaboration. GenVec will receive development milestones and
royalties on sales.
GenVec’s novel FMD vaccine approach utilizes GenVec’s
proprietary adenovector technology and is manufactured on a
proprietary GenVec cell line that is capable of producing antigens
without the use of the highly contagious FMD virus. Because the
vaccine is produced without using live or killed virus materials,
it can be produced cost effectively in the US and around the
world.
“We look forward to working with GenVec to explore this
promising technology for FMD vaccines,” said Teshome Mebatsion,
Senior Director Vector Vaccine Research, Merial. Robert
Nordgren, Global Head of Merial’s Bio R&D added that “Merial
sees great potential for GenVec’s technology to positively impact
the way that animal vaccines are produced and developed.”
“Our relationship with Merial complements our strategy of
entering into collaborations to support the development of our
pipeline of products,” said Dr. Paul Fischer, GenVec’s President
and Chief Executive Officer.
About GenVecGenVec, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical
company developing novel therapeutic drugs and vaccines. GenVec
uses proprietary drug discovery and development technologies to
support a portfolio of product programs that address the prevention
and treatment of a number of major diseases. In collaboration
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