BioCentury
ARTICLE | Product Development

BETting early

Why Index-led syndicate favored quicker exit for cancer play Oncoethix

January 5, 2015 8:00 AM UTC

Index Ventures-backed oncology play Oncoethix S.A. traded potentially larger returns for a faster clinical program for the company's primary asset when the Phase II program became too big for the small biotech to handle.

On Dec. 18, Merck & Co. Inc. agreed to acquire the Swiss company for $110 million up front. Oncoethix's shareholders are eligible for up to $265 million in clinical and regulatory milestones...