Neptunus Joint Venture

RNS Number : 5792T

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

09 June 2009

 



Issued:  9 June 2009, London UK - (LSE Announcement)

GSK and Shenzhen Neptunus create new alliance to develop and manufacture influenza vaccines in China 

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to form a new Joint Venture with Shenzhen Neptunus Interlong Bio-Technique Co. Ltd (Shenzhen Neptunus) focused on developing and manufacturing influenza vaccines for the Chinese market.

Jean Stéphenne, President and General Manager of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, said, "This new alliance enables GSK to build new vaccines capability in a critical emerging market such as China.  The new Joint Venture will combine the potential of GSK's adjuvant technology and expertise in vaccine development together with the extensive experience of Shenzhen Neptunus in the Chinese vaccines market.  Together we will gain access to specific local influenza antigens and make available new vaccines to benefit public health in China and neighbouring territories."

The alliance will develop and manufacture influenza vaccines for China, Hong Kong and Macau.  This will include vaccines for seasonal, pre-pandemic and pandemic influenza.  It is expected that these vaccines will become available over the next few years.  The Joint Venture is expected to benefit from the differing expertise that both companies have in developing vaccines. Specifically, GSK will provide access to its proprietary adjuvant system which helps to improve efficiency and optimise production by increasing the number of vaccine doses that can be produced using a smaller amount of antigen.  Shenzhen Neptunus will provide additional local manufacturing capacity and R&D expertise. Both companies will provide further investment in manufacturing.

GSK will take a 40% stake in the Joint Venture for a contribution of cash and assets equivalent to £21m.  Shenzhen Neptunus will take a 60% stake in the Joint Venture for a contribution of cash and assets equivalent to £31m.  Profits attributable to these assets are negligible.

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK is expected to purchase additional shares and obtain a majority equity interest in the Joint Venture within the next two years. 

Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2009, subject to local regulatory approval.

GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.  For further information please visit www.gsk.com

S M Bicknell

Company Secretary
9 June 2009

Enquiries:
UK Media enquiries:	Philip Thomson	[phone]
	David Outhwaite	[phone]
	Stephen Rea	[phone]
US Media enquiries:	Nancy Pekarek	[phone]
	Mary Anne Rhyne	[phone]
	Kevin Colgan	[phone]
	Lisa Behrens	[phone]
European Analyst/Investor enquiries:	David Mawdsley	[phone]
	Sally Ferguson	[phone]
	Gary Davies	[phone]
US Analyst/ Investor enquiries:	Tom Curry	[phone]
	Jen Hill Baxter	[phone]

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements Under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect GSK' s operations are described under 'Risk Factors' in the 'Business Review' in the company' s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2008.

 

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