Merus and Partner Therapeutics Announce U.S. License for Zenocutuzumab in NRG1 Fusion Cancer

On December 2, 2024, Merus N.V., a clinical-stage oncology company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker MRUS, announced a strategic agreement with Partner Therapeutics, Inc. (PTx), a private biotechnology firm specializing in hematology and oncology. This collaboration gives PTx the exclusive right to commercialize zenocutuzumab (Zeno) in the United States for the treatment of NRG1 fusion-positive (NRG1+) cancers.

Shannon Campbell, Chief Commercial Officer of Merus, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting PTx's expertise in oncology commercialization and their deep understanding of NRG1+ cancers. Campbell emphasized that this collaboration aligns with Merus's mission to bring novel treatments to patients suffering from these specific types of cancer.

Sarah Kurz, President and Chief Operating Officer of PTx, underscored the significance of Zeno as a potentially groundbreaking targeted therapy for patients with NRG1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer (PDAC). Kurz mentioned that current treatment options for these patients are limited, and Zeno could provide a substantial improvement, addressing an unmet medical need.

According to the agreement, PTx will take over the U.S. commercialization rights for Zeno after a transition period. In return for these rights, Merus will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for additional milestone payments and royalties based on Zeno's annual net sales in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing a Biologics License Application for Zeno for patients previously treated for NRG1+ NSCLC and PDAC.

Zenocutuzumab is a bispecific antibody developed by Merus using its Dock & Block® mechanism to inhibit the neuregulin/HER3 tumor-signaling pathway in solid tumors with NRG1 fusions. Zeno works by binding to HER2 and blocking the interaction of HER3 with its ligand, NRG1, or NRG1-fusion proteins, making it potentially effective against NRG1+ cancers. Preclinical studies have shown that Zeno can inhibit HER2/HER3 heterodimer formation, which in turn inhibits oncogenic signaling pathways, suppresses tumor cell proliferation, and prevents tumor cell survival. Clinical studies have demonstrated Zeno's anti-tumor activity in various types of NRG1+ cancers, including NRG1+ NSCLC and NRG1+ PDAC.

NRG1 fusions are rare but significant genomic events that can lead to tumorigenesis in certain cancers, including NSCLC and PDAC. The NRG1 gene encodes neuregulin, also known as heregulin, which is the ligand for HER3.

Partner Therapeutics is committed to improving health outcomes in cancer and other serious diseases by developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics. The company emphasizes the importance of delivering effective products and supporting medical teams to achieve better results for patients and their families.

Merus focuses on developing human bispecific and trispecific antibody therapeutics, known as Multiclonics®. These are produced using industry-standard processes and have demonstrated attributes similar to conventional human monoclonal antibodies, such as long half-life and low immunogenicity, in preclinical and clinical studies.