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CSL enters licensing agreement with Arcturus Therapeutics for self-amplifying mRNA technology

Via its vaccine subsidiary CSL Seqirus, CSL will use Arcturus’ tech to support the research, development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, pandemic preparedness and three other global respiratory infectious diseases yet to be announced.

San Diego-headquartered Arcturus will receive $200m upfront and is eligible to receive over $1.3bn in development milestones and over $3bn in commercial milestones. It will also be eligible for a 40% net profit share for COVID-19 vaccine products and ‘up to double-digit’ royalties for the other vaccines.

Arcturus’ STARR self-amplifying mRNA technology is already being used in a COVID-19 vaccine candidate: which recently met primary and secondary endpoints in a Phase 3 trial.

Long-term, high opportunity development

CSL Seqirus’ work spans the research, development, manufacture, and global commercialization of vaccines. It says it is eyeing up the opportunities to make ‘strategic investments in both the development of the company’s existing platforms and in longer-term, high opportunity development activities’.

In particular, CSL Seqirus prides itself on its strength in influenza vaccines, with a portfolio including the world’s second largest influenza vaccine franchise. It says the deal will Arcturus will allow it to “shape the future therapeutic landscape of influenza vaccines”.

The study reported 95% efficacy overall for the prevention of severe COVID-19 (including deaths) and 55% efficacy overall for preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease. In August, data from a booster study for the vaccine demonstrated ‘broad neutralizing antibody response against Omicron variants of concern, including BA.5’ following a primary series of Comirnaty.

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