Merck acquires rights to CSL flu vaccine

Merck & Co. Inc. has acquired the U.S. rights to market and distribute a seasonal flu vaccine made by an Australian drug company.

CSL Limited, which employs more than 1,000 people in King of Prussia, has partnered with Merck on vaccines for nearly 30 years. A CSL spokeswoman said the deal won't affect employment levels here.

Under this deal, Merck will handle commercialization of CSL's Afluria vaccine in the United States for six years starting in 2010.

The companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal.

CSL will manufacture the vaccine, and retains the rights to market it outside the U.S.

The federal Food and Drug Administration approved Afluria in September 2007 for use in people over 17 years old.

Merck said the addition of Afluria means it will be able to market eight of the ten vaccines on the recommended immunization schedule for adults in the U-S.    - Mike Armstrong and Joseph N. DiStefano