LimmaTech and Valneva join forces against shigellosis

LimmaTech Biologics has entered into a strategic partnership with Valneva SE in Saint-Herblain, France, to develop, manufacture and commercialize the vaccine candidate S4V against shigellosis, a diarrheal disease caused by Shigella bacteria. According to a press release, Valneva will receive an exclusive worldwide license for S4V from LimmaTech.LimmaTech will receive an upfront payment of 10 million euros and is eligible for additional milestone payments and royalties on sales.

LimmaTech will be responsible for the conduct of a Phase 2 exposure study and a Phase 2 pediatric study. Both clinical trials are expected to start in 2024. Valneva will be responsible for all further development, including industrialization, regulatory activities and, following approval, global commercialization.

Shigellosis is a serious infection and the second most common cause of fatal diarrhea, especially in young children. It is estimated that up to 165 million infections and 600,000 deaths are attributable to Shigella each year, according to the press release. "Valneva's proven expertise in late-stage vaccine development and commercialization will accelerate potential market approval and provide a Shigella vaccine for people who need it," said Franz-Werner Haas, CEO of LimmaTech Biologics AG. "The Shigella vaccine candidate enables a potential first-in-class vaccination for both low- and middle-income countries and travelers and thus represents a potentially highly synergistic program for Valneva," Valneva CEO Thomas Lingelbach is quoted as saying.

LimmaTech Biologics is based in Schlieren and is a member of the Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich. ce/gba