Apitope Upbeat After Merck Returns Multiple Sclerosis Candidate

With cladribine battling it out again with regulatory authorities for approval in multiple sclerosis, Merck decides to hand back rights to Apitope's Phase II MS drug candidate.

Merck KGAA of Germany has returned full rights to a multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment candidate that it licensed from Apitope in 2009. The pharma firm recently managed to persuade regulatory authorities to accept its MS drug cladribine for review. (Also see "ECTRIMS 2016: What Future For Merck KGaA’s Cladribine?" - Scrip, 16 September, 2016.)

Enrolment in a Phase IIa trial of Apitope's ATX-MS-1467 in relapsing MS was completed by Merck in mid-2015, and the...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Business

BIO Notebook: MFN Pricing, Next-Gen Obesity R&D, FDA’s Rare Disease Hub & Reaction To Review Program

Highlights from Day 3 of the BIO International Convention include the realities of MFN pricing, AstraZeneca's R&D plans for obesity, the need for resources for FDA's rare disease hub and reactions to the Commissioner's National Priority Review Voucher program.

EY Recommends Focusing On Fundamentals, Waiting For Prime Deal Conditions

 
• By 

Government policy ramifications and tight financial markets mean it’s time to prepare strategically for a better business development environment, EY suggests.

Scholar Rock Shows Muscle-Building PoC In Obesity

 

The company said it intends to maintain a focus on rare neuromuscular disease with apitegromab but could consider partnering in obesity.

Ireland’s Got Biopharma Talent To Keep Leading The Pack

 
• By 

The country’s life sciences investment head tells Scrip that it is business as usual for the sector despite the rumblings from across the Atlantic.

More from Scrip

Ireland’s Got Biopharma Talent To Keep Leading The Pack

 
• By 

The country’s life sciences investment head tells Scrip that it is business as usual for the sector despite the rumblings from across the Atlantic.

Draig Is All Fired Up To Transform Neuropsychiatric Field

 
• By 

Wales-based group launches with $140m series A.

BIO Notebook: Policy Problems, ACIP’s Future, BI Is Popular, Makary On FDA-Industry Ties

 

Highlights from Day Two of the BIO International Convention include BIO officials raising concerns about Trump Administration policies, the future of ACIP, an interview with BI's head of global business development, and FDA Commissioner Martin Makary's view of the FDA-industry relationship.