Under this agreement, AstraZeneca and Merck will work together to evaluate co-administration of the compounds in a Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of solid cancer tumors. Following the trial, the companies will consider opportunities for further clinical development.
Each compound is designed to inhibit a protein known to be abnormally activated in human cancers. In preclinical studies, AZD6244 has been shown to affect MEK, an important signal that promotes cancer cell growth and survival.
AZD6244 has completed Phase I evaluation, demonstrating proof of mechanism, and several Phase II monotherapy studies, which has shown evidence of clinical activity. It is currently in Phase II clinical trials in a range of tumor types.
Merck’s MK-2206 has demonstrated an effect on AKT, an important signal promoting cancer cell survival.
Gary Gilliland, Senior Vice President and Franchise Head, Oncology, Merck Research Laboratories, said:There is strong scientific rationale to suggest that the potential benefit to cancer patients of this combination may far exceed the sum of the parts.”
In order to harness the true potential of the combined administration of the compounds, AstraZeneca and Merck have established a pioneering, early stage collaboration based on our mutual determination to develop impactful therapies that improve patients’ lives, he added.
Alan Barge, Vice President and Head of Oncology at AstraZeneca, said: Through this agreement we are well positioned to implement a detailed and timely evaluation of the therapeutic potential of this novel combination, with the aim of bringing this potentially effective regimen to patients as rapidly as possible.