Nabi Biopharmaceuticals announced that the closing requirements set forth in the exclusive option and license agreement for NicVAX (Nicotine Conjugate Vaccine), dated November 13, 2009 with GlaxoSmithKlineBiologicals S.A. (GSK) have been met and the companies have closed the agreement. As a result, Nabi is entitled to receive an upfront payment of $40 million and GSK has been granted an option to exclusively in-license NicVAX on a worldwide basis and a license to develop next-generation nicotine vaccines using Nabi's intellectual property. In addition, Nabi is eligible to receive up to $460 million in potential option fees and regulatory, development and sales milestones for NicVAX and follow-on nicotine vaccines. Nabi will also receive royalties on global sales of NicVAX should GSK exercise its option, as well as royalties on global sales of next generation nicotine vaccines developed by GSK based on intellectual property licensed from Nabi.

"The closing of this agreement marks the culmination of our strategic alternatives process. We, along with our strategic partner, GSK are fully focused on realizing the significant value of NicVAX through the successful development and commercialization of this product," said Dr. Raafat Fahim, president and chief executive officer of Nabi Biopharmaceuticals.

Nabi Biopharmaceuticals leverages its experience and knowledge in powering the immune system to develop products that target serious medical conditions in the areas of nicotine addiction and gram-positive bacterial infections.