2 November 2022 - - US-based clinical-stage messenger RNA medicines company Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ARCT) has forged a strategic collaboration with CSL Seqirus, a global vaccine specialist, for the research, development, manufacture, and global commercialization of vaccines, the company said.

CSL Seqirus' vaccine portfolio includes the world's second largest influenza vaccine franchise. CSL Seqirus is part of CSL Ltd. (ASX: CSL) (OTC: CSLLY).

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 commercialization 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 technology and manufacturing know-how, which has enabled the company's low dose, lyophilized 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.

Under the terms of the agreement, Arcturus will provide CSL Seqirus with a license to its STARR self-amplifying mRNA technology, LUNAR lipid-mediated delivery, along with mRNA drug substance and drug product manufacturing expertise.

CSL Seqirus will lead development and commercialization of vaccines under the collaboration. The collaboration plans to advance vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza, pandemic preparedness as well as three other globally prevalent respiratory infectious diseases.

Arcturus will receive USD 200m upfront and is eligible to receive over USD 1.3bn in development milestones and over USD3 bn in commercial milestones.

In addition, the company is eligible to receive a 40% net profit share for COVID-19 vaccine products and up to double-digit royalties for vaccines against flu, pandemic preparedness and three other respiratory pathogens.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisor to Arcturus on the transaction.

Founded in 2013 and based in San Diego, California, Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ARCT) is a global, late-stage clinical mRNA medicines and vaccines company with enabling technologies: LUNAR lipid-mediated delivery, STARR mRNA Technology (samRNA) and mRNA drug substance along with drug product manufacturing expertise.

Arcturus' diverse pipeline of RNA therapeutic and vaccine candidates includes mRNA vaccine programs for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza, and other programs to potentially treat ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, and cystic fibrosis, along with partnered programs including glycogen storage disease type III, and hepatitis B virus.

CSL is biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of lifesaving medicines, including those that treat haemophilia and immune deficiencies, vaccines to prevent influenza, and therapies in iron deficiency, dialysis and nephrology.