Daiichi Sankyo (TYO: 4568), a Japanese pharmaceutical company, has announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with U.S.-based Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD; NYSE: MRK) to include global co-development of an antibody drug conjugate (ADC). This extension incorporates a new T-cell engager, MK-6079, which MSD acquired as part of its USD 683 million takeover of Harpoon Therapeutics in January.
MK-6079 is a delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) targeting T-cell engager that will be co-developed and commercialized on a global scale, excluding Japan, where MSD retains exclusive rights. MSD will also handle the manufacturing and supply chain for the molecule.
DLL3-targeted therapies, which modulate notch signaling, have demonstrated potential in treating various solid tumor types, including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). MK-6079 is currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial. Daiichi and MSD intend to explore the combination of MK-6079 with the B7-H3-targeted ADC ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) for SCLC patients, along with other potential synergistic combinations.
As per the agreement, Daiichi will make an upfront payment of USD 170 million to MSD. The partners will share future research and development (R&D) and commercialization costs and profits on a global basis, with the exception of Japan, where MSD will pay Daiichi royalties on sales.- Flcube.com
