Exhibit 99.1
NOVAVAX LICENSES NEW VLP TECHNOLOGY
FROM UMASS MEDICAL SCHOOL
ROCKVILLE,
MD (March 2, 2007) Novavax Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX)
announced today that it has entered into a worldwide exclusive agreement to license a new virus-like
particle (VLP) technology from the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) in Worcester.
This technology was developed in the laboratory of Trudy G. Morrison, Ph.D., professor of molecular genetics and
microbiology at UMMS, using paramyxoviruses as a core for building a VLP vaccine. Parts of the virus are used
as a backbone for constructing potentially safer and more effective vaccines. This technology will complement
the approach that Novavax has been using to create its VLP vaccines for pandemic and seasonal influenza.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Morrison said,
I am extremely pleased that Novavax has decided to license our VLP technology. Novavax has established
itself as the leader in creating complex VLP vaccines as demonstrated by their work on influenza VLP vaccines.
I am confident that Novavax will make good use of our technology and I look forward to working closely with
them in advancing the VLP vaccine science.
Under terms of the agreement, Novavax will have the right to use the UMMS technology to develop VLP vaccines
for the prevention of any viral diseases in humans. Novavax will make an upfront cash payment to UMMS.
In addition, the company will make certain payments based on development milestones as well as future royalties
on any sales of products that may be developed using the technology.
This agreement substantially expands our ability to create VLP vaccines for a much broader array of viral
disease targets, said Novavax President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rahul Singhvi. We have already
created VLP vaccines for a number of diseases, including both seasonal and pandemic influenza, using our current
technology based on the influenza M1 protein. We now have this additional tool available to our scientists to
construct other VLP vaccines.
Virus-like particles mimic a natural virus but do not contain a viruss genetic material required
for replication or infection. When inoculated into the body, these particles have the ability to
trigger strong immune responses that are capable of protecting
against viral infection. VLP vaccine technology, coupled with
Novavaxs disposable manufacturing system, may provide a unique solution to the prevention of many viral diseases.
About Novavax
Novavax Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX) is committed to leading the
global fight against infectious disease by creating novel, highly potent vaccines that are safer
and more effective than current preventive options. Using the companys proprietary virus-like
particle (VLP) and Novasome® adjuvant technologies, Novavax is developing vaccines to
protect against H5N1 pandemic influenza, seasonal flu and other viral diseases. Novavaxs
particulate vaccines closely match disease-causing viruses while lacking the genetic material to
cause disease, which provides potential for greater immune protection at lower doses than current
vaccines. With an exclusive portable manufacturing system that allows for rapid mass-production of
vaccines, Novavax is uniquely positioned to meet global public health needs.
About the University of Massachusetts Medical School
The University of Massachusetts Medical School, one of the fastest growing academic health centers
in the country, has built a reputation as a world-class research institution, consistently
producing noteworthy advances in clinical and basic research. UMMS attracts more than $174 million
in research funding annually, 80 percent of which comes from federal funding sources. Research
funding enables UMMS scientists to explore human disease from the molecular level to large-scale
clinical trials. Basic and clinical research leads to new approaches for diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of disease. Visit www.umassmed.edu for additional information.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements herein relating to future financial or business performance, conditions or strategies
and other financial and business matters, including expectations regarding future revenues,
operating expenses, and clinical developments are forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Novavax cautions that these forward-looking
statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time.
Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements or historical experience include risks and uncertainties, including the
failure by Novavax to secure and maintain relationships with collaborators; risks relating to the
early stage of Novavaxs product candidates under development; uncertainties relating to clinical
trials; risks relating to the commercialization, if any, of Novavaxs proposed product candidates;
dependence on the efforts of third parties; dependence on intellectual property; competition for
clinical resources and patient enrollment from drug candidates in development by other companies
with greater resources and visibility, and risks that we may lack the financial resources and
access to capital to fund our operations. Further information on the factors and risks that could
affect Novavaxs business, financial conditions and results of operations, is contained in
Novavaxs filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at
http://www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press
release, and Novavax assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: Mariann Caprino, + 1 240 268 2029