The two antibodies present in the investigational candidate were designed to block ligand binding, receptor activation and downstream signaling in addition to extracting the removal of the EGFR receptors from the cancer cell surface by inducing EGFR internalization and degradation.
Symphogen chief executive officer Kirsten Drejer said, "This payment substantially enhances the financial position of Symphogen and demonstrates our commitment to assisting Merck KGaA to advance this promising program."
Sym004 was out-licensed to Merck in 2012 subsequent to phase 2 clinical data in squamous cell carcinoma of the head & neck and in metastatic colorectal cancer.
The data demonstrated the clinical activity and supported the anticipated mixture’s mechanism of action.
As per recent details, a total of 105 patients have been treated with Sym004 in clinical trials.