BioCentury
ARTICLE | Company News

Allergan licenses migraine candidates from Merck

July 8, 2015 12:49 AM UTC

Allergan plc (NYSE:AGN) obtained an exclusive, worldwide license to migraine candidates MK-1602 and MK-8031 from Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) for $250 million up front. Both compounds are oral calcitonin gene-related peptide ( CGRP) receptor antagonists.

Allergan expects to begin Phase III testing next year of MK-1602 to treat migraines. Merck completed two Phase II trials of MK-1602 in 2012; Merck spokesperson Lainie Keller said data from these trials have not been published. Allergan intends to begin a Phase II study in 2016 of MK-8031 to prevent migraines. ...