Moderna expands Merck, AZ partnerships

Moderna Therapeutics Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.) expanded its relationships with two pharmas Monday, adding a program to an existing collaboration with Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and forming a new partnership with AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NYSE:AZN).

Moderna said it granted Merck a license to a vaccine program against undisclosed viral targets. The program includes vaccine candidate mRNA 1566 and related candidates. Merck will lead development and commercialization, while Moderna's Valera LLC (Cambridge, Mass.) venture will design and synthesize candidates. Moderna will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible for milestones and tiered royalties. ...