Archemix Corp. and Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, have formed a multi-year strategic alliance to discover, develop and commercialize aptamer therapeutics with a focus on cancer treatments. The alliance combines Archemix’ SELEX technology to discover and generate aptamer candidates with Merck’s oncology drug development and commercialization capabilities. In addition, Archemix and Takeda have signed a multi-year, three-target agreement that also focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of aptamer-based therapeutics.

Under the terms of the first agreement, Merck KGaA will invest $29.8 million in Archemix and will have the option to acquire additional stock upon an initial public offering. This is the second research agreement between the two companies this year.

Merck Serono has the option to obtain product licenses to some of Archemix’s lead stage aptamer programs in oncology and to select and develop aptamers against six additional targets in oncology and other indications, including autoimmune and inflammation disorders. Merck Serono can also use Archemix’s SELEX technology for internal target validation. Archemix has the option to co-develop and co-promote any of the products being developed in the U.S.

“The collaboration with Merck Serono represents a key strategic initiative for Archemix and the development of our pipeline, especially in the area of cancer,” said Errol De Souza, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, Archemix. “We will be working with a recognized leader in drug development to discover, develop and commercialize first-in-class aptamer-based therapeutics. With our co-development and co-promote options we can participate in the development and commercialization of certain of the products that come out of the collaboration while simultaneously generating cash flows to fund our proprietary aptamer pipeline.”

Under the agreement with Takeda, Archemix will receive a $6 million upfront payment to discover and generate product candidates to three disease-associated targets identified by Takeda. Takeda will be granted exclusive, worldwide rights for research, development, manufacturing and commercialization for any aptamer-based products resulting from the collaboration. Archemix will also receive research funding and clinical development milestone payments for each target selected for development. Archemix will also earn royalties and milestones on worldwide sales of the developed aptamers commercialized by Takeda.

“Our alliance with Takeda is the sixth major partnership we have formed within the past year and is a major step in the continued validation of aptamer therapeutics,” said Dr. De Souza of Archemix. “Takeda is an excellent partner for Archemix and this collaboration is a key component of successfully implementing our strategy of forming collaborations with multi-national pharmaceutical companies to rapidly advance aptamer programs into clinical development.”