Merck KGaA and Archemix to collaborate

The alliance combines Archemix’s proprietary Selex technology to discover and generate aptamer candidates with Merck’s demonstrated oncology drug development and commercialization capabilities, according to the companies.

In addition to the equity investment, Merck also retains an option, under certain circumstances, to acquire additional Archemix common stock upon an initial public offering. Other financial terms were not disclosed.

This is the second research agreement this year between the two companies.

The collaboration gives Merck Serono the option to obtain product licenses to certain of Archemix’s lead stage aptamer programs in oncology and the right to select and develop aptamers against six additional targets in oncology and other indications, including autoimmune and inflammation disorders. In addition, Merck Serono is granted a license to use Archemix’s Selex technology for internal target validation.

Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids that form well-defined three dimensional shapes, allowing them to bind target molecules in a manner that is conceptually similar to antibodies. In contrast to monoclonal antibodies, aptamers are chemically synthesized rather than biologically expressed.