Merck has chosen not to pick up two preclinical antibody-drug conjugates from its partner Sichuan Kelun-Biotech, the Chinese drugmaker disclosed Monday. The termination does not affect three clinical-stage ADCs that the companies are developing, including the Phase III breast and lung cancer asset SKB-264/MK-2870, Kelun said. Four other preclinical programs also remain in the deal.
Merck has made multiple pacts with Kelun since May 2022, promising as much as $12 billion across three deals for up to nine ADCs. With the small pullback announced Monday, Kelun saw its shares dip about 7%. Unlock this article instantly by becoming a free subscriber.
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