Glaxo to form leading Japanese vaccine company with Daiichi Sankyo

Pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) expects to create the number one vaccines company in Japan after forming a joint venture (JV) with Japanese peer Daiichi Sankyo.

The JV, in which each company owns an equal 50/50 stake, will supply globally recommended vaccines to help protect people of all ages in Japan, GSK said. These vaccines include the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, the Rotavirus vaccine, the Seasonal flu vaccine, the Mumps vaccine, the Diphtheria Pertussis (DTP) vaccine, and the Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine.

MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

"This collaboration marks another step in our strategy to build our presence in key growth markets and will create the first and largestcompanydedicated solely to vaccinesin Japan," said President Designate of GSK Christophe Weber.

"We areverypleased to bepartneringwith Daiichi Sankyo, a highlyregardedcompanyand an established leader in Japan. Both companies have strong track records in commercialisation and, in combination, will create further significant economies of scale in the development and distribution of vaccines in the Japanese market," he said.

Both groups will investment a combined total of 100m yen (around £0.8m) to cover the start-up capital requirements of the JV.

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.