AsianScientist (Jun. 3, 2013) – Merck Serono, a division of Merck, announced this week a global licensing, co-development, and commercialization agreement with BeiGene Co., Ltd., a biotech research and development company in Beijing, for BeiGene-283.
The compound is a second-generation BRAF inhibitor for the treatment of cancer that is currently in preclinical development. BRAF inhibitors target a protein (BRAF) that is a downstream component of the MAPK signaling pathway, which is thought to promote cancer cell growth and is dysregulated in a number of human cancers.
BeiGene-283 was discovered and developed by BeiGene in China, and is expected to enter clinical development next year.
Under the terms of the collaboration, BeiGene will be responsible for the development and commercialization of BeiGene-283 in China and Merck will be responsible for the development and commercialization of BGB-283 for the rest of the world.
BeiGene will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible to receive further payments for the achievement of clinical development milestones in both China and rest of the world, commercial milestones, and up to double-digit royalties on net sales.
“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to forge strategic partnerships in China with companies focusing on innovation,” said Dr. Susan Jane Herbert, Head of Global Business Development and Strategy for Merck Serono. “The collaboration with BeiGene brings together two teams with a common interest in finding solutions in the battle against cancer.”
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Source: Merck Serono.
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