MedImmune has licensed its reverse genetics technology to Biken, The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University in Japan, for the development of new vaccine strains to produce non-live human influenza vaccines. Reverse genetics is a method that uses segments of DNA to generate viruses such as influenza. This method helps protect manufacturers from exposure to potentially highly infectious pandemic strains, such as H5N1.
   
MedImmune will receive an upfront payment and has the potential to receive royalties on certain vaccine stockpiles or sales of other flu products developed using the technology.
   
"MedImmune is pleased to license our reverse genetics technology to BIKEN as we have previously to four other influenza vaccine manufacturers," said Sun Park, MedImmune's vice president, corporate development. "Biken is the first Japanese influenza vaccine manufacturer to have entered into licensing agreements with MedImmune for access to the reverse genetics technology, and we are pleased that Biken's pre-pandemic vaccine using this technology is a key part of an ongoing Japanese government public health pilot program to vaccinate about 6,000 first responders and healthcare providers against a potential bird flu outbreak."
   
MedImmune applied the reverse genetics process to the development of its seasonal live, attenuated nasal spray flu vaccine for the 2008-2009 season.