Merck Serono, Affectis in P2X7 deal

Affectis Pharmaceuticals AG (Martinsried, Germany) granted Merck Serono S.A. exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize oral compounds targeting purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2RX7; P2X7). The partners said the collaboration will focus on neurodegenerative diseases. Affectis will receive EUR 2.4 million ($3.5 million) in an upfront payment and research funding. Affectis is eligible for up to EUR 277 million ($404.9 million) in milestones for the first three products from the deal, plus royalties. Merck Serono is a division of Merck KGaA (Xetra:MRK). ...