FKD, Merck deal

Merck granted newco FKD exclusive rights to a gene therapy cancer candidate in exchange for an equity stake. Founded in February, FKD has rights to develop and commercialize Merck's adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vector containing interferon (IFN) alfa-2b ( rAd-IFN). The newco plans to begin Phase II testing in superficial bladder cancer next half. FKD also gained an option to develop two other Merck programs: a recombinant adenoviral p21 (rAd-p21) to treat glaucoma surgery failure and conditionally replicating adenoviral technology (CRAV) to treat solid tumors. Details were not disclosed. ...