GSK acquires full rights to mRNA vaccine candidates from CureVac

GSK plc and CureVac N.V. announced on July 3, 2024, a restructuring of their existing collaboration into a new licensing agreement. Under the terms, GSK acquires the full global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize mRNA vaccine candidates targeting influenza and COVID-19, including combination vaccines.

The vaccine candidates, previously developed by CureVac on its proprietary second-generation mRNA platform, have been in clinical development since 2020. Through the collaboration, the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine candidates are in Phase II clinical trials, with an avian influenza candidate in Phase I. GSK will now assume full responsibility for the development and manufacturing of these candidates.

CureVac will receive an upfront payment of €400 million and is eligible for up to an additional €1.05 billion in development, regulatory, and sales milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties. These payments replace all previous financial considerations. CureVac also retains exclusive rights to other potential infectious disease targets from the prior collaboration and the freedom to independently develop or partner mRNA vaccines in other indications.

The agreement underscores GSK's commitment to mRNA technology, which allows for rapid adaptation to emerging viral strains. GSK continues to advance its mRNA capabilities through investments in areas such as AI/ML-based sequence optimization and nanoparticle design.