GSK in 50:50 JV with Biological E for developing paediatric vaccine

MUMBAI: World's fourth largest drug maker GlaxoSmithKline has teamed up with Hyderabad-based vaccines company Biological E Ltd for early-stage research and development of a six-in-one combination paediatric vaccine to help protect children in India and other developing markets, a move that will strengthen the multinational giant's position in the Rs 1,800-crore Indian vaccine market.

Under the equal joint venture agreement, both companies will develop a six-in-one vaccine for polio and other infectious diseases, reinforcing their commitment to work with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to eradicate polio.

"This agreement is fully aligned with GSK's vision of providing high-quality vaccines to those in need and by leveraging Biological E's strengths, this particular vaccine has the potential to play a significant role in the fight against polio," said Christophe Weber, president of GSK Vaccines.

The JV, however, will enter phase-1 trial in the next two years. GSK will combine its injectable polio vaccine and Biological E will combine its pentavalent vaccine of tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae type B. Both the companies stress that, if successful, this will be the first of its kind vaccine developed for India and other developing markets.

"This relationship is a validation of the investment we have in vaccines technology and quality. We expect to leverage this partnership to accelerate the development of the hexavalent vaccine and make IPV accessible for developing countries in the post eradication phase for polio," said Vijay Kumar Datla, chairman, Biological E.

A report by market research firm Global Business Intelligence (GBI) predicts the Indian vaccine market is expected to jump from Rs 1,800 crore to Rs 4,600 crore by 2016.