MassBiologics (MBL) of the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Merck & Co, Inc have entered into an agreement that provides Merck with exclusive rights to market and distribute MBL's tetanus and diphtheria toxoids adsorbed (Td) vaccine in the United States, with the exception of Massachusetts, where MBL will continue distributing the vaccine. Merck plans to begin distributing the Td vaccine in June 2010. Specific financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Adult vaccination is an important element in Merck's commitment to help people be well, and we are delighted to partner with MBL to add tetanus-diphtheria vaccine to our broad US portfolio of adult vaccines," said Soren Bo Christiansen, senior vice president and general manager, Adolescent & Adult Vaccines, Merck Vaccines. "This agreement is another example of how Merck engages in partnerships that will enable us to bring the most robust portfolio of products to our customers."

MassBiologics' Td vaccine was licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1970. The vaccine is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of tetanus and diphtheria and is approved for use in people seven years of age and older.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults 19 years of age and older with an uncertain or incomplete history of receiving the primary vaccination series of three doses of Td vaccine should begin or complete the Td primary vaccination series, and that adults who have not had a Td booster shot in 10 years or more should be vaccinated. Adults 19 years of age and older should receive a booster dose of Td vaccine every 10 years. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine should replace a single dose of Td for adults aged 19–64 years who have not received a dose of Tdap previously, to additionally help protect them against pertussis disease.

MassBiologics is the only non-profit US FDA-licensed manufacturer of vaccines and other biologic products in the United States and produces tetanus-diphtheria vaccine.

The University of Massachusetts Medical School, one of the fastest growing academic health centers in the country, has built a reputation as a world-class research institution, consistently producing noteworthy advances in clinical and basic research.