The collaboration is focused on identifying genetic profiles that correlate with drug response to more effectively guide the clinical and market development of Merck’s cancer compounds.
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck and AVEO have established a two-year alliance to conduct preclinical studies on the investigational cancer compounds using AVEO’s human response prediction platform. Merck has exclusive rights to the data generated from the studies that relate to its proprietary compounds.
Financial terms include an equity investment by Merck in AVEO, annual research funding and the potential for milestone payments to AVEO.
AVEO’s first collaboration with Merck, which began in November 2003, focused on the use of AVEO’s genetically defined cancer models for new target discovery and validation.
The first milestone from this ongoing collaboration was achieved earlier this year when Merck exercised its option rights to the first novel small molecule target discovered and validated in AVEO’s models and comprehensive cancer biology program.
“Merck is committed to bringing targeted cancer therapeutics to market,” said Dr Stephen Friend, executive vice president of advanced technology and oncology at Merck Research Laboratories. “AVEO’s human response prediction platform represents a potentially significant advancement for identifying those subgroups of cancer patients who will likely respond to specific drugs, and could improve the efficiency and productivity of oncology drug development.”