Apitope Technology has licensed out an early-stage, peptide-based therapy for multiple sclerosis to Merck Serono. The German pharma company will pay up to 154 million euros in milestones and an upfront payment in addition to royalties following approval.
In the deal, Apitope will remain in charge of the early clinical development of ATX-MS-1467, with Merck Serono covering the cost. Merck Serono will take over development beginning at Phase II.
"ATX-MS-1467 represents a novel, targeted approach and may have the potential to complement existing MS drugs by offering a novel mode of action," said Bernhard Kirschbaum, Merck Serono's EVP of R&D.
"We view this collaboration as confirmation of Apitope's ability to develop early-stage first-in-class therapies for autoimmune diseases," said Apitope CEO said Keith Martin.
- check out the press release