Fast Forward in MS

Fast Forward LLC, a not-for-profit venture firm spun out of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the U.S., has partnered with EMD Serono Inc. to fill the funding gap between preclinical research and drug development at pharma companies. The deal will enable Fast Forward to boost its investments in early-stage biotech companies.

EMD Serono is the U.S. division of Merck Serono S.A., which is a subsidiary of Merck KGaA. Under the arrangement, announced earlier this month, EMD Serono will invest up to $15 million over the next 5 years in projects selected by Fast Forward and will pay $4 million directly to Fast Forward to manage the program. In return for funding, Merck KGaA will receive a right to first negotiation on IP resulting from funded projects...