GSK acquires Swiss GlycoVaxyn to bolster early-stage vaccine pipeline

GSK plc announced in February 2015 the acquisition of GlycoVaxyn AG, a Swiss-based vaccine biotechnology company. The transaction strengthens GSK's early-stage vaccine research and expands its portfolio of vaccines in development.

GSK had previously held a minority stake in GlycoVaxyn and collaborated with the company since 2012. Full ownership was secured through a cash payment of $190 million (approximately £124 million).

GlycoVaxyn has developed a biological conjugation platform technology intended for the development of new prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against bacterial diseases. The technology is also expected to simplify conjugate vaccine manufacturing processes. The acquisition includes several early-stage vaccine candidates targeting bacterial infections such as pneumonia, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella.

Dr Moncef Slaoui, Chairman of Vaccines at GSK, stated that the acquisition presents an "exciting opportunity to expand our research efforts to develop a new generation of vaccines for common and severe bacterial infections." This move complements GSK's proposed transaction with Novartis, which aimed to strengthen its leading position in the vaccines sector.