Novavax has announced an update to its collaboration and license agreement (CLA) with Sanofi concerning the Matrix-M adjuvant. Under the amended CLA, Sanofi’s license has been expanded to include the use of Novavax’s Matrix-M in its pandemic influenza vaccine candidate programme.

Sanofi recently received funding from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, for early-stage work on this vaccine candidate, including the Matrix-M adjuvant.

The CLA amendment allows Sanofi to use Matrix-M in early-stage development of pandemic influenza vaccine candidate(s) through Phase 2. If Sanofi enters Phase 3 clinical development, the parties will negotiate license rates and financial terms.

John C. Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax, said, "We're pleased to deepen our partnership with leading vaccine innovator, Sanofi, and to share our technology in support of US pandemic preparedness efforts with the goal of potentially saving millions of lives."

The amendment broadens their existing partnership, which already entitles Novavax up to USD 200 million for the first four products created by Sanofi utilising Matrix-M, and up to USD 210 million in milestone payments for each product, including Matrix-M thereafter, plus ongoing royalties for all Sanofi products utilising Matrix-M. Sanofi is also exploring further opportunities with Matrix-M.

Matrix-M is Novavax’s proprietary adjuvant, designed to enhance immune responses in vaccines. It is currently included in globally approved vaccines and is clinically proven to induce potent, durable and broad immune responses with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile.