Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD, NYSE: MRK) has set a new benchmark for the largest out-licensing deal between a multinational and a China-based firm. The US giant has returned to sign its third deal of this year with Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, securing development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to seven of Kelun’s pipeline antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). The deal covers global territories outside mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and involves the two companies working together on development.
Deal Details and Financials
Kelun-Biotech will receive a lump sum of USD 175 million in a non-refundable upfront payment, along with up to USD 9.3 billion in milestone payments and net sales-based tiered royalties. The deal is contingent on approval by the United States Department of Commerce anti-monopoly review and Kelun’s shareholders.
Previous Deals and Pipeline Highlights
In May and July of this year, MSD invested a cumulative USD 2.3 billion to obtain global rights to Kelun-Biotech’s ADCs SKB264 and SKB315. SKB264, a TROP2 ADC developed by Kelun subsidiary Klus Pharma Inc., has obtained approval for a Phase III clinical study in triple-negative breast cancer in China. SKB315, meanwhile, is a Claudin18.2 ADC undergoing Phase I clinical trials. This latest deal further solidifies the strategic partnership between MSD and Kelun-Biotech, positioning both companies to advance innovative ADC therapies globally.-Fineline Info & Tech