CRUCELL GETS INITIAL 1 MLN USD AS MERCK USES CO TECHNOLOGY FOR HEP C VACCINE

Dutch biotechnology company Crucell NV said that that Merck & Co Inc has exercised its option to use Crucell's PER.C6 production technology to develop an adenovirus-based vaccine against hepatitis C (HCV). Crucell will receive a 1 mln usd exercise fee with the prospect of annual fees and milestone payments, plus royalties on net sales. Merck already uses PER.C6 technology for its adenovirus-based HIV vaccine, currently in proof-of-concept Phase II trials.

Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2005/10/10/afx2267279.html)