The 3M Drug Delivery Systems company has signed an agreement to license its toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist compounds to sanofi pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi aventis Group.

The company's patented TLR compounds, which modify immune response, may boost vaccine effectiveness when used as a vaccine adjuvant. The TLR compounds small organically synthesized molecules provide flexibility in both formulation and delivery routes. Additionally, they are easy to manufacture, unlike other TLR agonists, due to their larger size.

The company's lead compound, resiquimod (TLR7/8 agonist), has shown promise as a vaccine adjuvant and has an extensive toxicology and clinical data package to support further development. Additionally, TLR agonists can be attached to various proteins that enhance vaccine efficacy various models.

3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets and has $24 billion in sales and a workforce of 79,000 people in more than 60 countries.

The licensing fee, milestones and royalties were undisclosed.

Source: 3M Drug Delivery Systems