GSK completes Affinivax acquisition to bolster vaccine pipeline

GSK plc announced on August 16, 2022, the completion of its acquisition of Affinivax, Inc., a US-based biopharmaceutical company. This move aligns with GSK's strategy to strengthen its portfolio of specialty medicines and vaccines.

Affinivax has pioneered a novel class of vaccines, most notably next-generation pneumococcal vaccine candidates. The acquisition includes AFX3772, a 24-valent pneumococcal vaccine candidate in Phase II development, based on the company's Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS) technology. A 30-plus valent candidate is also in preclinical development.

The MAPS technology allows for higher valency than conventional methods, potentially offering broader coverage against pneumococcal serotypes and eliciting stronger immune responses. AFX3772 has received U.S. FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for preventing invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia in adults aged 50 and over.

The transaction involved an upfront payment of $2.1 billion, with potential milestone payments of $0.6 billion tied to pediatric clinical development achievements. GSK is preparing to initiate Phase III trials for AFX3772 in both adult and pediatric populations.