GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (a GSK unit) and AFFiRiS GmbH have entered a collaboration agreement granting GSK exclusive rights to AFFiRiS's Alzheimer's disease vaccine programs that target beta-amyloid. GSK is acquiring exclusive rights to develop and commercialize two vaccine candidates currently in Phase I development that are based on AFFiRiS AFFiTOPE technology. GSK also has an exclusive option to develop and commercialize alternative Alzheimer's vaccine candidates in preclinical development.
   
Under the terms of the agreement, AFFiRiS will receive an up-front payment of $28.8 million and is eligible for future milestone payments and royalties. The total potential value of the agreement could reach $551.3 million in the event of full commercial success of the candidate vaccines. This agreement is subject to government approval.
   
AFFiRiS AFFiTOPE technology allows the design of proteins with very specific binding characteristics that are ideally suited for the development of vaccines against disease-causing "rogue" human proteins such as beta-amyloid, which is central to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease.
   
Walter Schmidt, co-founder and chief executive officer of AFFiRiS, said, "We are pleased that we could secure GSK Biologicals, one of the world's leading vaccine companies, in collaborating on the development our Alzheimer's disease vaccine programs. This deal brings together two companies with strong innovation, vaccine development and commercialization capabilities and experience."

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