Merck Licenses four oncology R&D programs from Vertex

All programs (two promising clinical-stage programs targeting DNA damage and repair, and two novel pre-clinical programs) have first-in-class and best-in-class potential.

“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,” says Belen Garijo, CEO Healthcare and Member of the Executive Board of Merck. “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.”

As part of the agreement, Merck will license two clinical-stage programs targeting DNA damage and repair, along with two additional novel pre-clinical programs. Vertex will receive an upfront payment of $230 million, in addition to royalties on future net sales. Merck will assume full responsibility for the development and commercialization of all the programs.

“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 Jeffrey Leiden, Chairman, President and CEO of Vertex. “We are pleased to partner with Merck, 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.”

The two clinical-stage programs represent first-in-class approaches to inhibit the DNA repair pathways that are fundamental to the survival and proliferation of certain cancers:

• An ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR) program comprised of two compounds, VX-970 and VX-803. VX-970 is being investigated broadly through 10 ongoing Phase I and Phase II trials across a variety of tumours and patient subtypes expected to be responsive to ATR inhibition based on biomarker data. Preliminary VX-970 clinical data were presented at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and the 2016 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting. VX-803 is an orally dosed ATR inhibitor currently in Phase I trials evaluating escalating doses of VX-803 alone and in combination with chemotherapy.

• A DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) inhibitor program including the clinical candidate VX-984. 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 tumours. Merck will combine these assets with its existing DNA-PK assets into a single development program.

The preclinical programs include one immuno-oncology program against an attractive target with first-in-class potential, and a program against a completely novel target. For both of these programs, Vertex research has demonstrated efficacy in relevant preclinical models, including demonstration of combination potential with immune checkpoint inhibition for the immuno-oncology program. Merck will continue to characterize the Vertex compounds in these programs with the goal of taking them forward into the clinic.

The strength of Merck’s oncology R&D program, including a leading presence in immunotherapy and DNA damage and repair, demonstrates how the company is re-imagining the way cancer can be treated.