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news.Merck & Co (Merck) has restructured its co-development and co-commercialisation agreement with Ariad Pharmaceuticals for Ridaforolimus, an investigational orally available mTOR inhibitor currently being evaluated for the treatment of multiple cancer types, to an exclusive license agreement.
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As per the restructured agreement, Merck has acquired full control of the development and worldwide commercialisation of Ridaforolimus. Ariad is expected to receive a $50m upfront fee and is eligible to receive milestone payments associated with regulatory filings and approvals of Ridaforolimus in multiple cancer indications and achievement of significant sales thresholds.
In lieu of the profit split on US sales provided for in the previous agreement, Ariad will now receive royalties on global net sales of Ridaforolimus, and all sales will be booked by Merck.
Merck will assume responsibility for all activities and has acquired decision rights on matters relating to the development, manufacturing and commercialisation of Ridaforolimus.
Reportedly, the investigational new drug (IND) application will be transferred to Merck, and it is expected to file the marketing application worldwide for any oncology indications and lead all interactions with regulatory agencies.
Muna Bhanji, senior vice president and general manager of oncology franchise at Merck, said: “This amended agreement positions Merck & Co and Ariad to maximise the therapeutic potential of Ridaforolimus by evaluating its properties in multiple cancer types and furthers Merck’s commitment to oncology research and advancing the health of people suffering from cancer.”