Dutch biotechnology company Crucell N.V. has started an evaluation programme with Novartis AG. The programme will apply Crucell's STAR technology for the selection of biopharmaceuticals production cell lines and to adapt such procedures to specific parental cell lines.

The programme will be performed with different monoclonal antibodies. Further details were not disclosed.

Crucell N.V. is a biotechnology company focused on research, development and worldwide marketing of vaccines and antibodies that prevent and treat infectious diseases. Its vaccines are sold in public and private markets worldwide. Crucell's core portfolio includes a vaccine against hepatitis B and a virosome-adjuvanted vaccine against influenza. Crucell also markets travel vaccines, such as the only oral anti-typhoid vaccine and the only aluminium-free hepatitis A vaccine on the market.