Key Takeaways
- Bavarian Nordic to earn $160 million from a US priority review voucher for its chikungunya vaccine, Vimkunya.
- The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is anticipated to finalize by Q3 2025.
- NIH is set to receive 20% of the voucher’s gross proceeds due to the vaccine’s origin in NIH-licensed research.
Transaction Details
Danish vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic (OMX: BAVA) is positioned to gain $160 million from the sale of a U.S. priority review voucher (PRV) linked to its chikungunya vaccine, Vimkunya. This transaction marks one of the highest valuations for a PRV in recent years. The agreement, which is pending regulatory clearance, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
The PRV was awarded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February following the approval of Vimkunya for individuals aged 12 and older, as part of the FDA’s tropical disease initiative. The identity of the purchaser remains undisclosed.
Bavarian Nordic acquired the vaccine as part of its $270 million purchase of Emergent BioSolutions’ travel health division in 2023. This acquisition allowed Bavarian Nordic to bolster its portfolio and strengthen its position in the global vaccine market.
Additionally, since the vaccine originated from research that was licensed by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NIH will receive 20% of the voucher’s gross proceeds. This arrangement underscores the collaborative nature of vaccine development and the importance of research institutions in the biopharmaceutical sector.
The transaction not only highlights Bavarian Nordic’s strategic efforts to leverage valuable assets for financial gain but also emphasizes the growing interest and investment in vaccines for tropical diseases. The growing prevalence of such diseases is driving demand for innovative solutions, making this sale a significant step in addressing public health challenges.
As the pharmaceutical industry evolves, the sale points to the critical importance of regulatory mechanisms that facilitate timely access to essential medicines and vaccines, as well as the potential financial upside for companies driving such innovations. The upcoming closing of this deal is anticipated to be closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders involved in public health and vaccine development.
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