ALK-Abello, Merck deal

ALK-Abello said Merck will return North American rights to the biotech’s sublingual allergy immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets, terminating the partners’ 2007 deal. ALK-Abello said the pharma based its decision on a review of strategic priorities. After an expected six-month transition period, ALK-Abello will regain rights to SLIT tablets against grass, ragweed and house dust mite (HDM) allergies. The company and Merck market Grazax/ Grastek to treat grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis and Ragwitek for ragweed-pollen induced allergic rhinitis. ...