Crucell
Crucell was a biotechnology company specializing in vaccines and biopharmaceutical technologies.
Privately held naamloze vennootschap; subsidiary | |
Industry | Biotechnology |
Founded | 2000 |
Headquarters | Leiden, Netherlands |
Key people | Ronald Brus (CEO), Jan Pieter Oosterveld (Chairman of the supervisory board) |
Products | Vaccines and antibodies |
Owner | Johnson & Johnson |
History
In 1993 Introgene, Crucell’s predecessor, was established as a spin-off of Leiden University. The company formed a partnership with Genzyme to collaborate on its vector technology and viral-based products. In 1999 the company founded Galapagos Genomics as a joint venture together with Tibotec. In 2000 IntroGene acquired U-Bisys to form Crucell.
In 2006, Crucell and Swiss Berna Biotech; Swedish SBL Vaccines and US-based Berna Products joined forces to become the sixth largest vaccine company worldwide, with their own clinical programs.
On 7 January 2009 Crucell released a press release saying Crucell and Wyeth were in discussion on a merger of the two companies. On 26 January 2009 Crucell released another press release saying the discussions on a combination of Crucell and Wyeth was discontinued due to Pfizer's acquisition of Wyeth.
In September 2009 Johnson & Johnson bought 18% stake in Crucell for €302 million in order to collaborate on the development of a flu vaccine.[1] This followed Crucell's discovery of CR6261, a potent human antibody that neutralizes a broad range of influenza A viruses. J&J acquired the rest of the company in October 2010, taking its stake to over 95% by February 2011[2] and delisting the company from stock exchanges two months later.[3]
References
- Gray-Block, Aaron (28 September 2009). "Johnson & Johnson buys 18 pct stake in Crucell". Reuters. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
- Solsman, Joan E. (17 February 2011). "J&J: Sufficient Number Of Crucell Holders Tender Shares". The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones Newswires. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
- Gray-Block, Aaron (11 April 2011). "Crucell to be delisted after J&J buyout". Reuters. Retrieved 16 April 2011.