Today, Akeso Biopharma Inc. (Akeso) announced that the company has entered into a collaboration with MSD, known as Merck (NYSE:MRK) in the United States and Canada, to research, develop and commercialize immuno-oncology therapeutics. According to this agreement, MSD will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Akeso’s compound AK-107, an immune checkpoint blocking antibody discovered by Akeso in China. Under the terms of the agreement, Akeso will receive an upfront payment from MSD and up to $200 million in development and commercialization milestone payments. Additional details were not disclosed.
“We are very pleased to establish this collaboration with MSD, the global leader in immuno-oncology. Through this collaboration, we will combine Akeso’s unique Biologics discovery platform with MSD’s well-established late-stage clinical and commercialization strengths to rapidly advance Akeso’s compound AK-107 to the global markets. This collaboration demonstrates our companies’ commitment to bring innovative therapies to the market to address unmet medical needs for cancer patients worldwide,” said Dr. Michelle Y. Xia, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Akeso.
“We look forward to working with MSD and we will continue to explore opportunities to work together in the field of innovative biologics.” “The collaboration with Akeso builds on our existing strength in the field of immuno-oncology as we remain focused on advancing the care of people with cancer by stimulating tumor-directed immune responses,” said Dr. Eric Rubin, vice president and therapeutic area head, oncology early-stage development, Merck Research Laboratories. “The addition of this immune checkpoint blocking antibody, AK-107, reinforces our commitment to exploring combination approaches across tumor types.”
About Akeso Biopharma
Akeso Biopharma is a private biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Zhongshan, Guangdong, China, focusing on discovering and developing innovative biologics for the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. Akeso has built a rich product pipeline in therapeutic areas including oncology, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as cardiovascular disease, with its advanced and robust discovery and development platforms. Akeso is financed by Shenzhen Capital Group and other leading investors.
