GSK, Nabi Forge Deal To Develop, Sell Anti-Smoking Vaccine

London, U.K. (AHN) – Pharmaceutical firms GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Nabi Biopharmaceuticals have entered into a $540 million exclusive licensing agreement to develop and market an anti-smoking vaccine.

Under the deal, GSK will pay an upfront fee of $40 million to in-license Nabi’s NicVAX worldwide and use the latter’s technology in developing its own anti-nicotine vaccine. GSK will pay Nabi $500 million more in option fees for NicVAX and similar vaccines developed .

The deal further provides Nabi with double-digit royalties on the global sale of NicVAX and other similar vaccines.

The NicVAX stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to nicotine to prevent the addictive substance from entering the blood stream and reaching the brain. This prevents smokers from experiencing pleasure from smoking.

The NicVAX, which is being tested clinically, can also be effective in preventing smoking relapse.