Sanofi-Aventis, Merrimack Enter Into Global Collaboration, Licensing Agreement

Sanofi-Aventis and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals have announced a global collaboration and licensing agreement on MM-121, a first-in-class, fully human monoclonal antibody designed to block signaling of the ErbB3 (HER3) receptor, for the management of solid malignancies. MM-121 is currently in phase 1 clinical testing.

Under the agreement, Sanofi-Aventis will receive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialise MM-121. Merrimack will retain potential co-promotion rights in the US.

Marc Cluzel, senior vice president of R&D at Sanofi-Aventis, said: “Merrimack’s expertise along with their knowledge of biologics development has allowed them to successfully identify ErbB3 as a promising target and rapidly bring MM-121 into clinical development. MM-121 is a pioneering monoclonal antibody which brings a new innovative approach to Sanofi-Aventis’ oncology portfolio. We are very excited to collaborate with Merrimack on the development of MM-121, which we believe is a very promising compound that will address a significant gap in treating cancer patients.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi-Aventis agreed to pay Merrimack an upfront cash payment of $60m for the research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation rights. Merrimack is eligible for development and regulatory milestone payments up to $410m on MM-121, royalties on the

worldwide product sales and will receive additional performance milestones of up to $60m. Merrimack will participate in the development of MM-121.