Germany-based Merck (NYSE: MRK) has in-licensed the potential first-in-class candidate ompenaclid from U.S. firm Inspirna, aimed at inhibiting the creatine transport channel SLC6A8. The drug is currently undergoing Phase II trials for RAS-mutated advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The agreement also encompasses additional follow-on compounds targeting SLC6A8.
In return for the exclusive ex-U.S. license and a partial license for the U.S. market, Merck will make an upfront payment of USD 45 million, along with potential milestone payments and royalties on ex-U.S. sales from successful candidates.
Interim Phase Ib/II data indicate that a treatment regimen combining ompenaclid with chemotherapy and Roche’s (SWX: ROG) Avastin achieved an objective response rate of 37%, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 10.2 months and median overall survival (OS) of 19.1 months, without any observed dose-limiting toxicities.- Flcube.com
