Merck-Serono licenses 'brain-penetrant' anti-P2X7 programme from Affectis

Merck Serono (Merck KGaA) has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Affectis Pharmaceuticals of Germany for the development and commercialisation of oral compounds targeting P2X7 receptors. The deal does not include Affectis' lead P2X7 antagonist, AFC-5128, which is in advanced preclinical development, Affectis' CBO Luc St-Onge told Scrip.

Merck Serono (Merck KGaA) has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Affectis Pharmaceuticals of Germany for the development and commercialisation of oral compounds targeting P2X7 receptors. The deal does not include Affectis' lead P2X7 antagonist, AFC-5128, which is in advanced preclinical development, Affectis' CBO Luc St-Onge told Scrip.

Affectis plans to file an IND early next year for AFC-5128, which is being developed to treat multiple sclerosis and neuropathic pain. AFC-5128 belongs to a different series of compounds...

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