VaxEquity jump-starts self-amplifying RNA development with AZ deal

After a brief foray into COVID-19 vaccines, self-amplifying RNA platform newco VaxEquity is kick-starting the development of its internal pipeline via a deal giving AstraZeneca access to its platform.

VaxEquity Ltd. announced Thursday that it partnered with AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NASDAQ:AZN) to discover, develop and commercialize prophylactic vaccines and therapeutics using the Cambridge, U.K.-based company’s self-amplifying RNA platform, with AZ having an option to develop programs against up to 26 different targets. VaxEquity will receive an undisclosed equity investment and R&D funding from AZ, and is eligible for $195 million in development, regulatory and sales-based milestones, plus mid-single digit royalties. ...