Acambis, the biotechnology company, has partnered with France’s Sanofi Pasteur to develop and market its vaccine against the deadly West Nile Disease.

Acambis will receive an upfront payment of $10m (£4.82m) and up to $70m if the development of the Chimeri­Vax vaccination is successful. Acambis is also entitled to receive development funding and royalties on net sales of the vaccine.