Merck & Co. builds presence in bispecifics with Janux deal

Merck & Co. continues to build out its immuno-oncology pipeline beyond Keytruda, this time via a deal with David Campbell’s California start-up Janux that increases the pharma’s presence in the exploding T cell engaging bispecific antibody space.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) licensed exclusive, worldwide rights to T cell engaging bispecific antibodies created using Janux Therapeutics’ Tumor Activated T Cell Engager (TRACTr) technology against two cancer targets. In exchange, Janux will be eligible for up to $500.5 million per target in upfront and milestone payments, plus royalties. The pharma will pay for R&D...