Ariad and Merck Submit Ridaforolimus MAA

Merck is planning global submissions for ridaforolimus in Europe, the U.S., Canada, Asia-Pacific and Latin America and other key markets.

Cambridge, MA-based Ariad Pharmaceuticals and its partner Merck announced yesterday they have submitted a marketing authorization application (MAA) for ridaforolimus with the EMA.

Acceptance of the MAA will trigger a $25 million milestone payment to Ariad. The company will also receive a $25 million milestone payment upon approval in the U.S., while approval to sell ridaforolimus in the EU will secure a $10 million milestone payment.

If approved, oral ridaforolimus, an investigational mTOR inhibitor, would be the first molecularly targeted drug for the treatment of patients with metastatic sarcomas and the first sarcoma drug to be approved for use as a maintenance therapy, according to Ariad.