Research at Merck KGaA has led to the development of substituted heterocycles acting as kinesin-like protein KIFC1 (HSET) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Cancer Research Technology Ltd. and Merck KGaA have jointly patented tricyclic heterocycles acting as transcriptional coactivator YAP1/transcriptional enhancer factor (TEAD) interaction inhibitors.
Watchers of the Bruton’s kinase (BTK) inhibitor space may be casting renewed skepticism in that direction after Merck KGaA disclosed April 12 that the U.S. FDA placed a partial clinical hold on the sign-up of more patients in work testing evobrutinib in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) – but BTK efforts in MS continue in various quarters.
Aqilion AB has sold rights to its TAK1 inhibitors to Merck KGaA in an exclusive license and research collaboration agreement worth at least €960 million (US$1.03 billion) including potential milestones and royalties. The global giant will pay the Swedish biotech – which is headquartered in Helsingborg – €10 million in cash up front for the program and potential development and commercialization milestones and tiered royalties on worldwide net sales of more than €950 million.
Merck KGaA and Cancer Research Technology Ltd. have synthesized 2,8-dihydropyrazolo[3,4-b]indoles acting as transcriptional coactivator YAP1/transcriptional enhancer factor (TEAD) interaction inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disorders and liver fibrosis.
Merck KGaA has struck a collaboration and option-to-license deal with Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl centered around NMS-293, a next-generation PARP-1 inhibitor already in early clinical development for brain tumors. Merck is making a play for the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor market, first opened up in December 2014 by Astrazeneca plc, when Lynparza (olaparib) was first approved in advanced ovarian cancer, going on to become a blockbuster through a partnership with Merck & Co Inc.
Merck KGaA provided details on the discovery of MSC-4106, an orally active lead compound binding to the lipidation pocket (P-site) of the TEAD1 transcription factor and capable of disrupting its interaction with the transcriptional cofactors YAP and TEAZ, thereby preventing the formation of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD transcriptional complex.
Etherna Immunotherapies NV has raised €39 million (US$39 million) in new financing as it pivots to an mRNA-platform strategy. It has added a couple of heavy hitters to its board and its roster of investors, indicating that the move has already gained traction in the marketplace.
Canwell Biotech Ltd. raised more than ¥100 million (US$14.8 million) in a series A+ financing. The funds will help accelerate trials for its pipeline of anticancer assets, such as the TLR7 agonist CAN-1012, and preclinical development of other projects too, CEO Henry Yu told BioWorld. The State Development and Investment Corporation Venture Capital Co. Ltd. was the round’s sole investor.
