Intercell Acquires Manufacturing Plant in Scotland
Vienna/Livingston, March 3rd 2004, - Intercell AG announced the acquisition of a multi-purpose biologics manufacturing plant in Livingston, Scotland. Intercell will use the manufacturing capacity for its late stage Japanese encephalitis vaccine and for its vaccine pipeline resulting from its bacterial Antigen Identification research and development programs. Financial details will not be disclosed.
The 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art GMP facility was formerly owned by Excell Biotech, and has only recently become fully operational. The facility is designed according to the most up-to-date international standards for biologics product manufacturing. Through the acquisition, Intercell will also access the skills of a team of highly experienced staff with a broad expertise in process development, manufacturing and quality management of viral and recombinant protein products.
"This strategically very important acquisition will allow Intercell to fully control the clinical and future commercial manufacturing of our Japanese encephalitis vaccine, which is planned to enter Phase III clinical trials in early 2005. Furthermore we will have the capabilities to develop and produce in-house any future recombinant bacterial vaccines resulting from our innovative Antigen Identification Program", commented Intercell�'s Chief Operating Officer Gerd Zettlmeissl, who was previously responsible for Chiron Vaccines�' global manufacturing and quality operations before joining Intercell.
"Scotland�'s vibrant science community and excellent reputation for the quality of its research and production was a big incentive for Intercell to expand its operation to Edinburgh", emphasized Alexander von Gabain, Intercell�'s Chief Executive Officer.
Intercell has been supported by Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian.
About Intercell AG: Intercell is a biotechnology company focused on the development of vaccines against infectious diseases. Intercell�'s lead products are, a therapeutic hepatitis C vaccine, which has entered Phase II clinical testing in November 2002, and a vaccine against Japanese encephalitis that has successfully undergone a Phase II clinical study. A Phase III clinical study is planned for early 2005. Intercell�'s proprietary Antigen Identification Program has led to the discovery of relevant vaccine antigens against various bacterial infections. Such antigens will be the basis for Intercell�'s own development programs, and will also be successfully partnered with major vaccine players in selected indications. Intercell has developed, in addition, a novel synthetic Immunizer (adjuvant) IC31 for vaccine formulations. IC31 is an important component of Intercell�'s vaccine technology.
To date, Intercell has succeeded in raising venture capital totalling more than 100 million since becoming operational. For further information on Intercell visit: www.intercell.com