Aqilion announces pre-clinical licensing and strategic research collaboration agreement with Merck
16 Feb 2023
License out/in
AQILION AB ("Aqilion") today announced an exclusive license and strategic research collaboration with Merck to discover, develop and commercialize small molecule inhibitors of the transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1)protein. Merck will make an upfront cash payment of EUR 10 million to Aqilion. In addition, Aqilion is eligible to receive potential development and commercialization milestones up to over EUR 950 million and tiered royalties on worldwide net sales.
The collaboration builds on Aqilion's extensive experience and know-how in the discovery of selective TAK1 inhibitors (the Alnitak program) together with Merck's industry leading expertise in drug discovery and development. The proprietary inhibitors are the result of Aqilion's inhouse drug discovery efforts. TAK1 is currently thought to be a central mediator for various inflammatory signals. The research collaboration will aim to develop first-in-class and differentiated TAK1 therapeutics in a broad range of autoimmune and inflammatory disease indications, including neurological diseases.
During the collaboration, Aqilion will be responsible for the design and synthesis of novel small molecule TAK1 inhibitors while Merck will lead preclinical pharmacology and biology studies.
"We are delighted and proud to announce this collaboration with Merck as it validates our business strategy of generating highly innovative discovery projects in combination with pro-active business development and early deal-making," says Sarah Fredriksson, CEO of Aqilion. "We are looking forward to working with Merck as this will speed up the process of bringing novel effective treatments to conditions with high unmet medical needs."
CONTACT:
Sarah Fredriksson
CEO
sarah.fredriksson@aqilion.com
+ 46 (0)70 261 4575
The following files are available for download:
View original content:
SOURCE Aqilion
内容来源于网络，如有侵权，请联系删除。
Organizations
Indications
Targets
Drugs
-Hot reports
Get started for free today!
Accelerate Strategic R&D decision making with Synapse, PatSnap’s AI-powered Connected Innovation Intelligence Platform Built for Life Sciences Professionals.
Start your data trial now!
Synapse data is also accessible to external entities via APIs or data packages. Leverages most recent intelligence information, enabling fullest potential.