heres something from a deade agoMICROBIX RECOVERS RIGHTS TO RABIES VACCINE
July 17/98
from a press release
TORONTO -- Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSE:MBX) today announced that it has
negotiated repatriation of the development program for its proprietary
rabies vaccine from Schering-Plough Animal Health (SPAH"). SPAH acquired
the program when it purchased Microbix' original partner, Mallinckrodt
Veterinary, Inc., in June 1997 and after evaluation concluded that
Microbix' recombinant rabies vaccine did not fit into its core business.
As part of the settlement, Microbix retains all rights and will be paid
for two outstanding milestones.
According to William J. Gastle, President and CEO of Microbix, The rabies
vaccine, based on our proprietary adenovirus technology, has demonstrated
highly promising results during exploratory research trials in dogs and
cats, suggesting efficacy superior to that of existing products. Our
relationship with Mallinckrodt led to significant advances in the status
of this product and we are now using these advances as a base to license
this product to a new partner."
The growing market for the protection of companion animals, and a renewed
emphasis on prevention of livestock diseases, are creating a demand for
safer and more effective second generation vaccines. The Company estimates
the rabies vaccine market to be in excess of US$200 million worldwide.
Microbix is in discussions with a number of leading veterinary product
companies to license the rabies vaccine program and hopes to conclude an
agreement by the end of the year.
In addition to the advances made on the rabies vaccine program itself, the
company believes the successful development to date also confirms the
utility of the adenovirus platform technology in animals. This presents
the potential to develop a variety of veterinary vaccines and Microbix is
seeking other partners interested in such development programs using its
proprietary adenovirus technology.