Pfizer Acquires Redvax

Pfizer has acquired a controlling interest in Redvax GmbH, a spin-off from Redbiotec AG, a privately held Swiss biopharma company, gaining access to a preclinical human cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine candidate, as well as intellectual property and a technology platform related to a second, undisclosed vaccine program.
 
CMV is a herpes virus, infecting 50-90% of the adult population, with a majority remaining asymptomatic. A large segment of young adults, especially women of childbearing age, are at high risk of CMV infection during pregnancy and of passing the infection on to the unborn child.One out of every five children born with CMV infection may experience hearing loss and severe neurologic disorders.
 
“We are working to bring innovative vaccines to market that prevent and treat serious diseases,” said Kathrin U. Jansen, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief scientific officer of Vaccine Research & Early Development for Pfizer. “Through the acquisition of the Redvax innovative CMV vaccine platform and expertise we will seek to develop a vaccine to prevent a difficult disease that can have a devastating and lifelong impact on young children.”
 
Christian Schaub, chief executive officer of Redbiotec and managing director of Redvax, said, “We are pleased to have completed this deal with Pfizer, a global leader in vaccines. This represents an important step toward the development of a much needed vaccine for CMV, a disease that has a devastating impact on children and families. We believe that combining Redvax’s assets with Pfizer’s commitment, expertise and resources will significantly enhance the potential of developing this important vaccine.”