Vertex Pharmaceuticals has entered into a licensing agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany for worldwide development and commercialization rights to four cancer R&D programs. Merck KGaA will license two clinical-stage programs targeting DNA damage and repair, along with two preclinical programs. Vertex will receive an upfront payment of $230 million, in addition to royalties on future sales. Merck KGaA will be responsible for the development and commercialization of all the programs.
 
The clinical candidates include ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR) protein kinase inhibitors, VX-970 and VX-803. VX-970 is being investigated in 10 Phase I and Phase II trials in a variety of tumors. Also, a Phase I trial is now evaluating escalating doses of VX-984 alone and in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in subjects with advanced solid tumors.
 
The preclinical programs include one immuno-oncology program against an attractive target with first-in-class potential, and a program against a novel target. For both of these programs, Vertex research has demonstrated efficacy in relevant preclinical models.
 
“The Vertex R&D team has produced a portfolio of first-in-class compounds with the potential to enhance the therapy of multiple cancers,” said Dr. Jeffrey Leiden, president and chief executive officer of Vertex. “We are pleased to partner with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leader in oncology with exciting complementary assets that will help fully realize the value of these unique compounds and accelerate the programs’ potential benefits for patients.”
 
“With this strategic deal, we significantly strengthen our oncology pipeline in two attractive areas where we have leading competence, DNA damage and repair and immuno-oncology – areas which also have promising therapeutic synergy,” said Belen Garijo, chief executive officer, Healthcare, at Merck KGaA. “This deal underscores our commitment to accelerate innovation for cancer patients, and we are excited for the opportunity to build on Vertex’s rigorous science and advance these leading programs.”