US-based Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. has announced a strategic collaboration with CSL Seqirus, a global vaccine leader, for the research, development, manufacture, and global commercialization of vaccines. CSL Seqirus’ vaccine portfolio includes the world’s second largest influenza vaccine franchise. CSL Seqirus is part of the Australian multinational specialty biotechnology company CSL Limited.

Under the terms of the agreement, Arcturus will provide CSL Seqirus with a license to their self-amplifying mRNA technology to support the research, development, manufacture, and commercialisation of vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza, pandemic preparedness, as well as three other globally prevalent respiratory infectious diseases.

The collaboration combines CSL Seqirus’ established global vaccine commercial and manufacturing infrastructure with Arcturus’ manufacturing expertise and innovative STARR self-amplifying mRNA vaccine and LUNAR delivery platform technologies.

Arcturus will bring its mRNA design and modification expertise, LUNAR lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology and manufacturing know-how, which has enabled the company’s low dose, lyophilised and durable self-amplifying mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. Previously reported clinical results from ongoing ARCT-154 studies have demonstrated a favorable efficacy and safety profile with sustained neutralizing antibodies against COVID-19, including recent variants of concern.

Arcturus will receive $200 million upfront and is eligible to receive over $1.3 billion in development milestones and over $3 billion in commercial milestones.