MDxHealth, Merck KGaA deal
The partners expanded a 2008 deal to include the development and commercialization of MDxHealth's PredictMDx for Glioblastoma. The assay for determining the methylation status of the O-6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase ( MGMT) gene is being developed as a companion diagnostic for use with Merck's cilengitide. The deal was amended in June 2011 to allow Merck to use the diagnostic to assist in patient selection for Phase III trials. Under the expanded deal, Merck will support MDxHealth's development and regulatory activities for the test and the partners will coordinate the worldwide launch of the test with the launch of cilengitide. The cyclic peptide angiogenesis inhibitor is in Phase III testing to treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with a methylated promoter of the MGMT gene in the tumor tissue. Details were not disclosed (see BioCentury, June 16, 2008; June 13, 2011 & Sept. 5, 2011). ...