3M Drug Delivery Systems announces the signing of a non-exclusive license agreement with sanofi pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group. Under the agreement, 3M will provide its patented toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist compounds to sanofi pasteur for an undisclosed licensing fee, milestones and royalties for use as vaccine adjuvants.

3M’s patented TLR immune response modifier compounds may be able to boost the effectiveness of a vaccine when used in the form of a vaccine adjuvant.

“Our TLR compounds offer unique benefits due to size and formulation, and we believe that when used as a vaccine adjuvant, our TLR compounds can add significant value to companies’ vaccines,” said Dr. Mark Tomai, PhD, Vaccine Business Development, 3M Drug Delivery Systems.

3M’s TLR compounds, also called TLR7 and TLR8 agonists, are small organically synthesized molecules that offer flexibility in formulating and route of delivery, as well as ease in manufacturing--unlike most other TLR agonists, which are much larger and not as easy to manufacture.

About 3M Drug Delivery Systems Immune Response Modifiers

3M Drug Delivery Systems has a portfolio of patent protected toll-like receptor TLR7 and TLR8 agonists that have shown promise as vaccine adjuvants. There are a variety of assets in the portfolio that can be used topically, admixed or in conjugatable form. The lead candidate, resiquimod (TLR7/8 agonist) has shown promising results in a number of animal models and has an extensive toxicology and clinical data package to support further development as a vaccine adjuvant. In addition, 3M offers other TLR7 and TLR8 agonists, some of which can be attached to various proteins that enhances vaccine efficacy in a number of models. As small molecules, 3M’s TLR7 and TLR8 agonists offer unique advantages over other TLR agonists with regards to delivery and manufacturing. 3M is actively seeking partners to license these assets on a non-exclusive basis. For more information contact Dr. Mark Tomai, Head of Vaccine Business Development, matomai@mmm.com or go to www.3m.com/dds.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

3MKatherine Hagmeier, 651-575-4368klhagmeier@mmm.comorDiane Kwiatkowski, 651-733-7853dkwiatkowski@mmm.com