Merck, Samsung Bioepis in biosimilars deal
Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) partnered with Samsung Bioepis Co. Ltd. to develop and commercialize multiple, prespecified but undisclosed biosimilars. Samsung Bioepis, a JV between Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) and Samsung Group (Seoul, South Korea), will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing and registration, while Merck will be responsible for worldwide commercialization. Samsung Bioepis will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and undisclosed product supply income from Merck. The JV also will be eligible for undisclosed clinical and regulatory milestones. The partners did not disclose details, including financial terms or whether Merck will commercialize biosimilars already in development under the JV. ...