Crucell

Crucell is a biotechnology company specializing in vaccines and antibodies. The firm, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands. Crucell shares were previously listed on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange and formed part of the AMX index until April 2011, when J&J completed a tender offer for the company.

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.

On 28 September 2009 Johnson & Johnson bought 18% stake in Crucell for €302 milion in order to collaborate on the development of a flu vaccine. This follows in the wake of Crucell's discovery of CR6261, a potent human antibody that neutralizes a broad range of influenza...
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