Dutch biotechnology company Crucell N.V. announced that Merck & Co., Inc. has exercised an option for the exclusive use of Crucell's PER.C6 technology and an option for access to Crucell's AdVac vaccine technology in two infectious disease areas.

Dr Jaap Goudsmit, Crucell's chief scientific officer said: "We are excited about this technology agreement which represents a further expansion of the relationship between our company and Merck. Crucell's vaccine technologies, PER.C6 and AdVac, are increasingly used by the vaccine industry to develop important novel vaccines for infectious diseases. This agreement further broadens the number of disease areas in which our technologies are used."

Under the terms of the agreement, Crucell acquires rights to certain cell-line technology developed by Merck for the manufacturing of recombinant proteins. The option and the related rights to certain technology developed by Merck originate from the cross-license agreement executed in December 2006 between Crucell and Merck. Specifics concerning the infectious disease indications remain undisclosed.

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, a fully-liquid vaccine against five important childhood diseases, and a virosome-adjuvanted vaccine against influenza.