Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and GlycoVaxyn AG have entered into a three-year agreement to collaborate on the research and development of a multivalent bacterial vaccine utilizing GlycoVaxyn's bio-conjugation technology. Janssen's affiliate, Crucell Holland BV, and GlycoVaxyn will develop the vaccine until proof-of-concept, after which Janssen follow on with late-stage clinical studies and worldwide commercialization.

Under the terms of the agreement, GlycoVaxyn will receive an upfront, milestone payments, royalties on future sales, as well as reimbursement of research and development expenses. No financial details were disclosed.

"Bacterial pathogens that exist in multiple pathogenic strains pose significant challenges for developing vaccines that target these strains," Michael Wacker, co-founder and chief scientific officer of GlycoVaxyn said in a statement. "Our recombinant DNA-based vaccine technology is particularly well-suited for polyvalent conjugate vaccines and should make the development and commercialization of these vaccines more feasible and reliable."