BioCentury
ARTICLE | Company News

Merck gains rights to Enbrel biosimilar

June 13, 2011 11:56 PM UTC

Hanwha Chemical Corp. (KSE:09830) partnered with Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to develop and commercialize Hanwha's biosimilar version of autoimmune drug Enbrel etanercept. The compound, HD203, is in a Korean Phase III trial to evaluate its equivalence to Enbrel in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hanwha received an upfront payment and is eligible for milestones and tiered royalties. Merck is responsible for clinical development and manufacturing and has exclusive commercialization rights outside of Korea and Turkey, where Hanwha retains rights. Financial details were not disclosed. ...