Ablynx, Merck in second Nanobodies deal
Ablynx N.V. (Euronext:ABLX) partnered with Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to discover and develop an undisclosed number of Nanobodies targeting undisclosed immune checkpoint modulators for cancer. Nanobodies are therapeutic proteins based on a single-domain antibody fragment. Ablynx will be responsible for discovery of candidates and will receive EUR 20 million ($27 million) up front and up to EUR 10.7 million ($14.4 million) in research funding during the initial three-year term of the deal. Merck will be responsible for development and commercialization of resulting candidates. Ablynx is eligible for up to EUR 1.7 billion ($2.3 billion) in milestones, plus tiered royalties.
In 2012, Ablynx partnered with Merck to develop and commercialize Nanobodies targeting an undisclosed voltage-gated ion channel for neurological disorders. Ablynx said the most advanced candidate under the deal is in discovery (see BioCentury Extra, Oct. 2, 2012). ...