Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has just strengthened its vaccine business with the acquisition of Okairos AG, a developer of vaccine platform technologies, for 250 million euros (324 million US dollars).

Okairos AG, based in Switzerland, developed a new technology which will play a crucial role in the development of new classes of therapeutic and new prophylactic vaccines. Therapeutic vaccines treat diseases, while prophylactic ones prevent them.

Okairos’ technology complements GSK’s existing vaccine technology and expertise, and will enable GSK to continue its work developing the next generation of vaccines. The deal also includes a small number of early stage assets.

This new acquisition highlights GSK’s aim to become more involved in the development of innovative medical advancements. The company is currently aiming to establish a portfolio of sustainable sales growth.

The President of GSK Vaccines, Christophe Weber, said that the acquisition “is a fantastic opportunity for patients and our research organisation as it is expected to contribute to the development efforts for an exciting new generation of vaccines, building on the excellent science and expertise of both companies.”

Riccardo Cortese, Chief Executive Officer and founder, Okairos, said:

“I am extremely pleased with this agreement, which will enable GSK to build on the hard work we have put into developing our vaccines and platforms to the stage that they are at today. With its considerable resources and knowhow, I am confident that GSK is best-placed to maximise this opportunity to potentially transform the vaccines landscape.”

GSK will assume full ownership of the company under the the terms of the deal as well as ownership of early stage assets for for diseases including:

GSK’s and Okairos’ management teams are going to work together over the next few months to incorporate the benefits and advantages that the pharmaceutical giant GSK can provide.

In 2011 Canadian researchers discovered how Alum, an adjuvant (immune booster), is used in many common vaccines. The new finding was crucial for the production of more effective vaccines and may open the doors for treating and/or preventing HIV, tuberculosis and other diseases.

A University of Rochester scientist found that the same molecules used in drugs that treat diabetes also stimulate B cells in the immune system, pushing them to make antibodies for protection against invading microorganisms.

Scientists wrote in the journal The Lancet that there is tremendous potential of vaccines during the next decade. They concluded that researchers “have the knowledge base, expertise, and methodology with which to investigate what needs to be done to increase public trust and confidence in immunisation… There is a way forward and we need to grasp the opportunity.”

Written by Joseph Nordqvist