Affinivax and Astellas Pharma have entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement to develop and commercialize a vaccine targeting Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). The partnership will utilize Affinivax’s vaccine technology platform, Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS), to advance a vaccine targeted to prevent and reduce the spread of pneumococcal disease.

Astellas will lead and fund the development program and will obtain worldwide rights to commercialize the MAPS vaccine for pneumococcal disease. Affinivax will receive an initial upfront payment of $10 million and will be eligible to receive development and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on product sales.

“I am pleased to enter into this agreement and partner with Affinivax to develop a pneumococcal vaccine using their novel MAPS technology.” said Kenji Yasukawa, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief strategy officer of Astellas. “Astellas expects to provide a new option to prevent pneumococcal disease with high unmet medical needs by developing innovative MAPS vaccine as part of our commitment to serve patients interests worldwide.”

“We are very pleased that Astellas has recognized the significant potential of our MAPS pneumococcal vaccine,” said Mr. Steven B. Brugger, chief executive officer of Affinivax, Inc. “We are excited to join forces with Astellas to advance a vaccine which can offer such an important global benefit for pneumococcal disease and contribute to Astellas’ impact with its global vaccine franchise”