The vaccine market is becoming more important to big pharma's business, which has resulted in larger deals being made in this area, as exemplified by the recent partnership between Intercell and Novartis. Aspects of the deal discussed in this feature include the role played by Novartis Vaccines within the company, the key role of flu vaccines in its vaccine business, the HCV co-development part of the deal, Novartis' opt-in rights, and the financial freedom that Intercell has to work within the alliance.