Merck granted exclusive license to Pfenex' Pseudomonas-based protein expression technology

Pfenex Inc. announced today that it has granted Merck & Co., Inc., through an affiliate, an exclusive worldwide license to Pfenex Expression Technology(TM) Pseudomonas-based recombinant protein expression technology for the production of specific proteins to be used in the development of an undisclosed vaccine candidate.

Under the terms of the agreement Pfenex is eligible to receive approximately $52 million in upfront and milestone payments as well as additional royalty payments on any product sales derived from the agreement. This license represents the second commercial license Merck has been granted to Pfenex Expression Technology(TM).

Merck and Pfenex scientists will collaborate on developing the production strains that will be used to express clinically relevant antigens in support of the preclinical and clinical development of the vaccine candidate. The agreement also includes non-exclusive rights for the production of proteins for diagnostic applications.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Merck," said Bertrand C. Liang, CEO of Pfenex, "This collaboration is a clear example of the strength of the Pfenex Expression Technology being leveraged in the discovery, development and production of novel vaccines."