Date: 2011-06-08
Type of information: Development agreement
Compound: oral compounds targeting P2X7 receptors
Company: Merck KGaA, Merck Serono (Germany) Affectis Pharmaceuticals (Germany)
Therapeutic area: CNS diseases
Type agreement: development commercialisation
Action mechanism: P2X7 is an ATP-gated ion channel receptor which is essential for the maturation and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. P2X7 is found on brain cells, which are activated by high levels of ATP in conditions of neuroinflammation.
Disease: Neurological diseases
Details: Affectis Pharmaceuticals has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, for the development and commercialization of oral compounds targeting P2X7 receptors. These receptors are believed to be involved in neuroinflammation observed in some neurodegenerative diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck Serono will have worldwide exclusive rights to develop and commercialize selected compounds. The contract also includes a research collaboration focusing on P2X7 antagonist optimization.
Financial terms: Affectis will receive € 2.4 million in upfront payment and research funding, and could receive up to € 277 million in milestones for the first three products to come out of the collaboration, as well as undisclosed royalties.
Latest news:
