The lead compound in this program, RDEA119, is currently being evaluated in advanced cancer patients as a single agent in a Phase I study and in a Phase I/II study in combination with sorafenib.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ardea will grant Bayer a worldwide, exclusive license to develop and commercialize Ardea’s mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors for all indications. Potential payments to Ardea under the agreement could total up to $407 million, not including royalties.
This amount includes an upfront cash payment to Ardea of $35 million, as well as additional cash payments upon achievement of certain development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. Ardea is also eligible to receive low double-digit royalties on sales of products under the agreement.
Ardea will be responsible for the completion of the Phase I and Phase I/II studies currently being conducted for RDEA119. Thereafter, Bayer will be responsible for the further development and commercialization of RDEA119 and any of Ardea’s other MEK inhibitors.
Barry Quart, president and CEO of Ardea, said: “RDEA119 has demonstrated compelling synergistic activity in vitro in combination with sorafenib, as well as other approved anticancer agents, and we look forward to working with Bayer as a globally successful company in the field of targeted anticancer therapies to evaluate multiple drug combinations in several cancer indications.”