Merck will market and distribute the Td vaccine in the US, with the exception of Massachusetts, where MBL will continue distributing the vaccine. Merck plans to begin distributing the Td vaccine in June 2010. Specific financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

MBL's Td vaccine was licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1970. The vaccine is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of tetanus and diphtheria and is approved for use in people seven years of age and older.

Soren Christiansen, senior vice president and general manager of adolescent and adult vaccines at Merck Vaccines, said: “Adult vaccination is an important element in Merck's commitment to help people be well, and we are delighted to partner with MBL to add tetanus-diphtheria vaccine to our broad US portfolio of adult vaccines.”

Will the agreement benefit Merck?

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