Hilleman Laboratories

Merck & Co. and the Wellcome Trust have agreed to create a not-for-profit joint venture to develop low cost vaccines for poor countries around the world. The companies also announced that the initial investment would total 90 million pounds ($148 million) over a seven year period. Hilleman Laboratories, named after Merck scientist Maurice Hilleman, will be based in India with a staff of approximately 60.

One of the biggest issues for vaccines in developing countries is the lack of adequate refrigeration. Alaeras’ dry powder nasal vaccine is stable at room temperature and does not require maintaining a cold supply chain. Our rotavirus vaccine incorporates virus like particle technology that eliminates the chance of a person developing the disease upon vaccination. Our inhaler under development will be a platform for many different vaccines. The Hilleman Laboratories is the first time a drug maker and charity have combined forces to develop vaccines for the developing world.