Merck Serono and Intrexon Corp. have entered an exclusive strategic collaboration and license agreement to develop and commercialize Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) cancer therapies. CAR-T therapies are designed to bind to a target and trigger an immunological attack against the cancer. 
 
Intrexon will use its cell engineering techniques and RheoSwitch platform to develop products that empower the immune system in a regulated manner to overcome the current challenges of CAR-T therapy. Merck Serono has exclusive access to Intrexon’s suite of technologies to engineer T-cells with optimized and inducible gene expression.
 
Intrexon will be responsible for all platform and product developments until IND filing. Merck will select targets of interest to develop CAR-T products and will lead the IND filing and pre-IND interactions, clinical development and commercialization. Intrexon has the opportunity to explore targets independently, granting Merck opt-in rights during clinical development.
 
Intrexon will receive $115 million upfront and for the first two targets selected by Merck Serono, will receive research funding and is eligible to receive as much as $826 million development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on sales. Intrexon is also eligible to receive certain technology development milestones.
 
“The collaboration with Intrexon underlies Merck Serono’s focus on innovation, and enhances its R&D technology portfolio in immuno-oncology,” says Belen Garijo, President and CEO of Merck Serono. “Moreover, it showcases Merck Serono’s commitment to developing therapies that have the potential to significantly evolve the way cancer is treated.”
 
“Merck is an ideal partner in CAR-T for us because of their long-term perspective, extraordinary character, worldwide reach and commitment to leadership in immuno-oncology,” says Randal J. Kirk, chairman and chief executive officer of Intrexon.  “We look forward to working together to benefit patients through the creation of a leading franchise in this very promising field.”