Vical gets $1 million payment as Merck advances cancer vaccine to phase I trial

By E. Janene Geiss

Philadelphia, Nov. 8 - Vical Inc. has received a $1 million milestone payment from Merck & Co., Inc. based on Merck's initiation of a phase I clinical trial of a DNA cancer vaccine, Vical said in a news release Tuesday.

The vaccine is based on Vical's DNA gene delivery technology, which uses plasmid DNA encoding human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and carcinoembryonic antigen.

The phase I trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of the vaccine, according to a company news release.

"Vical's technology platform offers a unique pathway for the development of cancer vaccines," Vijay B. Samant, Vical's president and chief executive officer, said in the release. "We are pleased that Merck has advanced into clinical evaluation of our technology in the cancer area in addition to our existing infectious disease vaccine collaboration."

In June, Merck exercised options on three cancer targets, triggering a $3 million payment to Vical. In September, Merck was granted additional cancer vaccine options in exchange for non-exclusive sublicenseable rights for vaccines against HIV, giving both companies freedom to operate in the field, officials said.

San Diego-based Vical researches and develops biopharmaceutical products based on its patented DNA delivery technologies for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

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