Merck and Takeda to co-develop and co-promote matuzumab cancer treatment

Published: 17-Oct-2005

Merck and Takeda Pharmaceutical are to co-develop and co-commercialise Merck's humanised monoclonal antibody matuzumab, for the treatment of cancer.


Merck and Takeda Pharmaceutical are to co-develop and co-commercialise Merck's humanised monoclonal antibody matuzumab, for the treatment of cancer.

Under the agreement, Merck will receive an up-front payment of euro 60m, booked in the third quarter of 2005, as well as significant milestone payments.

The companies have a formula for splitting profits, with Merck booking matuzumab sales in all regions except Japan.

Matuzumab was developed by Merck and currently is in Phase II clinical trials in patients with non-small cell lung, gastric and colorectal cancers.

Takeda already has experience in the field of oncology and Merck hopes the cooperation with Takeda will put more resources and expertise toward this product.

  

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