Merck and AiCuris announced that they have entered into an exclusive
worldwide licensing agreement for AiCuris novel portfolio of
investigational medicines targeting Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV),
including letermovir (AIC246), an once daily oral late stage antiviral
candidate being investigated for the treatment and prevention of HCMV infection in transplant recipients. It is a
potentially first in class molecule derived from a novel chemical class
(quinazolines) and is designed to inhibit the HCMV viral terminase.
In April 2012, AiCuris announced that a randomized, placebo controlled
Phase IIb clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of
letermovir in HCMV-seropositive allogeneic human blood precursor cell
recipients (bone marrow transplant patients) met all primary efficacy
endpoints. Letermovir has received Orphan Drug Status in the European
Union and the United States, where it has also been granted Fast Track
Designation
AiCuris has built a leading portfolio of innovative antiviral HCMV
candidates that are designed to address novel targets and offer the
potential for HCMV prophylaxis. This portfolio complements Merck's broad
antiviral portfolio.
Terms of the Agreement
Under the agreement, Merck, through a subsidiary, will gain worldwide
rights to develop and commercialize candidates in AiCuris' HCMV
portfolio. AiCuris will receive a €110 million upfront payment and is
eligible for milestone payments of up to €332.5 million based on
successful achievement of development, regulatory and commercialization
goals for HCMV candidates, including letermovir, an additional back-up
candidate as well as other Phase I candidates designed to act via an
alternate mechanism. In addition, AiCuris will be entitled to receive
royalty payments reflecting the advanced stage of the clinical program
on any potential products that result from the agreement. Merck will be
responsible for all development activities and costs
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