Antigenics (AGEN) Announces GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Launches Phase 3 Study of RTS,S, Which Contains Antigenics' QS-21

June 17, 2009 8:17 AM EDT

Antigenics Inc. (NASDAQ: AGEN) today announced that GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) has launched a Phase 3 study with the world's most clinically-advanced malaria vaccine, RTS,S, which contains Antigenics' QS-21 Stimulon(R) adjuvant.

"There are now approximately 15 vaccines containing QS-21 in clinical trials of which four have now progressed into Phase 3 studies across multiple indications including non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma and malaria," said Garo H. Armen, PhD, chairman and CEO of Antigenics. "Today's announcement demonstrates that QS-21 is a critical adjuvant in the development of therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and is expected to be a significant contributor to Antigenics future royalty income in the event of successful commercialization."

QS-21 is a key component in several of GSK's proprietary adjuvant systems, which play an integral role in a new generation of GSK vaccines currently in development. Under the terms of the license and supply agreements announced in July 2006, GSK will make payments contingent upon successful milestone achievements, and will pay royalties to Antigenics on net sales for a period of at least 10 years after first commercial sale.

Recent Phase 2 malaria studies showed that, over an eight-month follow-up period, RTS,S reduced clinical episodes of malaria by 53 percent and had a promising safety and tolerability profile when used alongside standard infant vaccines. The Phase 3 trial builds on more than 10 years of clinical research in Africa, including the first proof-of-concept study in children in 2004 and a proof-of-concept study in infants in 2007.

If the RTS,S Phase 3 program progresses as expected, RTS,S could be submitted for initial regulatory review in 2011. If the required regulatory clearances are granted and international and African national public health authorities recommend its use, RTS,S could be introduced in 2012 for children age 5-17 months. Following recommendations for use in infants, full availability is anticipated by 2014, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives a year.

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