GSK divests rabies, tick-borne encephalitis vaccines Rabipur, Encepur to Bavarian Nordic

The decision to divest these brands supports GSK Plc’s strategic intent to increase focus and reinvest in growth assets, innovation and a simplified supply chain in its vaccines business.

New Delhi: GlaxoSmithKline plc announced the completion of the divestment of travel vaccines Rabipur (Rabavert in US) for the prevention of rabies, and Encepur for the prevention of tick-borne encephalitis, to Bavarian Nordic.

Consistent with the terms of the agreement first announced on October 21, 2019, GSK has received an upfront payment of EUR308 million (£263m), and in due course will receive further milestone payments for a total consideration of up to EUR955 million.

The decision to divest these brands supports GSK’s strategic intent to increase focus and reinvest in growth assets, innovation and a simplified supply chain in its vaccines business.

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Rabipur is a well-established life-saving vaccine (rabies virus causes acute invariable fatal disease) with 30 years of market experience supported by extensive clinical and safety evidence and WHO pre-qualification. It is indicated both in persons bitten by suspect animals (PEP) and non-immune subjects at risk of rabies (PrEP ).

Encepur is indicated for active immunisation of high-risk populations against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). It has unique dosing flexibility supported by proven efficacy and long-term persistence data.

Bavarian Nordic is a Denmark-based, fully-integrated biotechnology company specializing in the research, development and manufacture of active cancer immunotherapies and vaccines for infectious diseases.

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