Crucell inks new pact with Talecris; skin cancer vax advances;

Vaccine Research

Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell has signed a second licensing deal with North Carolina-based Talecris Biotherapeutics for an undisclosed and specific protein and the exclusive rights to produce that protein using the PER.C6 cell line. Crucell will receive an upfront payment of $1.5 million following the execution of the agreement and will be eligible for milestone payments of approximately $20 million. Further financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. Release

Austrian researchers have been making progress with a preclinical skin cancer vaccine. Story

The Washington Life Sciences Discovery Fund has awarded nearly $4.7 million to launch the start-up phase of the Washington Vaccine Alliance and to support initial research into three new vaccines for E. coli, herpes and syphilis. Release

A lung cancer vaccine is being tested at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. Report

Hawaii Biotech has completed the Phase I dosing of 24 healthy individuals with its West Nile virus vaccine. Release

Vaccine Market

Evidence that a large number of Americans are shunning the annual flu shot has physicians in the U.S. concerned about a potential epidemic when the flu season peaks in February. Report

Indian officials say that three vaccine manufacturing facilities are unlikely to reopen after being shuttered for failing to meet manufacturing standards. Report