MSD, also known as Merck in the U.S. and Canada, has decided to cancel the development of two oncology drugs that were about to begin clinical trials in collaboration with Chinese company Sichuan Kelun.
This decision was made after MSD signed a new collaboration agreement with Daiichi Sankyo last Friday.
In an official statement on Saturday, MSD confirmed its withdrawal from the project in question. However, Sichuan Kelun has assured that the collaboration with MSD on seven other ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates), three of which are already in trials, will not be affected.
Three days ago, MSD announced a global development and commercialization agreement with Daiichi Sankyo, excluding Japan, for three experimental cancer treatments.
Under this agreement, MSD will make an initial payment of 4 billion dollars, in addition to committing to continuation payments totaling 1.5 billion dollars over the next 24 months.
Additionally, there are provisions for additional payments of up to 16.5 billion dollars based on future sales targets, which could bring the agreement to a maximum of 22 billion dollars.
Both companies will collaborate in the development and possible commercialization of these ADC candidates worldwide, except in Japan, where Daiichi Sankyo will retain exclusive rights and be responsible for manufacturing and supply.
Sunao Manabe, representative director, president and chief executive officer of Daiichi Sankyo, highlighted the promising results of ongoing clinical trials, while Robert Davis, president and chief executive officer of Merck, noted the continued growth and diversification of his oncology product portfolio and the building of a base in immuno-oncology.
With information from: PMFarma.
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