Leiden, The Netherlands, May 29, 2002 - Dutch antibody and vaccine company Crucell N.V. (NASDAQ, Euronext: CRXL) today announced it has granted the U.S biotechnology company MedImmune Inc. (Nasdaq: MEDI), an exclusive license to its proprietary human cell line PER.C6TM.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, MedImmune will use PER.C6(TM) to support its influenza vaccine programs. Financial details were not disclosed.

PER.C6(TM) is one of the most extensively documented and characterized cell lines to date, with a Biologics Master File at the FDA. Given the variety of viruses efficiently growing on PER.C6TM, the cell line is an excellent basis for vaccine development.

MedImmune is a leading biotechnology company focused on researching, developing and commercializing products to prevent or treat infectious disease, autoimmune disease and cancer.  MedImmune actively markets three products, Synagis® (palivizumab), Ethyol® (amifostine) and CytoGam® (cytomegalovirus immune globulin intravenous (human)), and has 11 products in clinical testing.  MedImmune employs approximately 1,500 people, is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and has additional operations in Frederick, Maryland, as well as Pennsylvania, California, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. For more information on MedImmune, visit the company's website at www.medimmune.com.

 

About Crucell

Dutch biotechnology company Crucell discovers and develops antibody and vaccine products against cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases.

The company licenses products to (bio)pharmaceutical companies for which it receives upfront and annual payments, milestones and royalties.

Crucell is currently developing antibodies against different types of cancer and has additional programs in inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Crucell will leverage its proprietary MAbstract(TM) technology to discover new targets and antibodies.

Crucell's CD 46 antibody against various types of cancers is licensed to Centocor, a Johnson & Johnson company. Crucell retains the commercial rights for Europe for this product.

Merck & Co. has obtained the exclusive rights to use Crucell's PER.C6(TM) human cell line for the production of the key adenoviral vector of its experimental HIV vaccine. Merck & Co. is currently conducting Phase I/II trials for this vaccine.

The company has furthermore developed a new flu vaccine production(TM). PER.C6(TM) is widely embraced by the industry for the production of viral vectors and vaccines.

Crucell shares trade on the NASDAQ and Euronext. Crucell is based in Leiden, The Netherlands. Crucell currently employs 180 people.

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