GlaxoSmithKline has licensed MedImmune's reverse genetics technology for the development of new vaccine strains to produce non-live human influenza vaccines. Reverse genetics allows manufacturers to avoid working directly with the infectious, circulating pandemic strains, such as H5N1, by generating viruses such as influenza from segments of DNA.

"MedImmune is pleased to enter into a fourth agreement to license our reverse genetics technology to manufacturers," said Jonathan Klein-Evans, J.D., MedImmune's vice president, intellectual property. "Making this important technology available to the vaccine development team at GlaxoSmithKline and their peers at other companies may have a significant positive impact on the manufacturing of influenza vaccines due to the efficiency and reliability of the process."

MedImmune will receive an upfront payment and has the potential to receive royalties on certain vaccine stockpiles or sales of other flu products developed using the reverse genetics technology.

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