Delphi Genetics Grants GlaxoSmithKline a Licence for the Use of the StabyExpress System

A New Technology Allowing High-Yield Vaccine Protein Biosynthesis without the Use of Antibiotics

 

CHARLEROI, Belgium, Wednesday, September 22nd 2010 [ME NewsWire]:

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Delphi Genetics SA (“Delphi”) has announced today the signature of a licensing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for the use of the patented StabyExpress technology for the production of protein vaccines for human use.

The StabyExpress system improves the efficiency of protein production and offers the potential of increased protein yield in the manufacture of recombinant vaccines, without the use of antibiotics, whilst reducing the environmental impact. Any proteins manufactured using the StabyExpress system are therefore free of trace levels of antibiotics.

This agreement enables GSK to use, non-exclusively, the technology for the production of vaccine proteins for human use. In exchange for this right of use, Delphi Genetics will receive payments at each development stage of a new protein and will also receive royalties during the marketing phase. The financial details of the agreement have not been revealed.

Philippe Gabant PhD, Delphi Genetics Founder and Business Development Director, explained: “This is the second licensing agreement that we have announced with one of the major vaccine manufacturers. This demonstrates that our technology gives a competitive edge to our biopharmaceutical production partners and shows the importance of our technology in the bioindustrial world. The non-exclusive nature of this licence enables us to consider similar collaborations with other strategic partners, including partners in other fields than vaccine production”.

In June 2010, Delphi Genetics announced a licensing agreement with Sanofi-Pasteur, the human vaccines division of Sanofi-Aventis. That agreement allows Sanofi-Pasteur to implement the StabyExpress technology in its recombinant vaccine production and therefore to be able to produce efficiently without the use of antibiotics.

About StabyExpress

StabyExpress technology can be applied to any industrial protein production process that involves bacterial fermentation. Biopharmaceutical production represents a booming market and its share of the overall medication market today is estimated to15%. Moreover, the technology is consistent with the recommendations of the FDA and the EMEA with regard to the elimination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in protein production processes for both human and veterinary uses. Currently, Antibiotic Resistance Genes are used as selection markers for the design of the majority of the genetic systems enabling protein production.

About Delphi Genetics SA

Founded at the end of 2001, Delphi Genetics develops more effective products and technologies for genetic engineering and for protein expression in bacteria by using its unique expertise in the field of plasmid stabilisation systems. Delphi Genetics’ patented StabyExpress technology increases the recombinant protein production output without the use of antibiotics, which is the traditional approach. For further information, please visit our website: www.delphigenetics.com

For media enquiries, please contact: Delphi Genetics SA delphigenetics@delphigenetics.com Tel: +32 71 25 10 00