Germany's Merck Swaps CAR-T Rights For Equity In Intrexon, Focusing Its R&D

Merck KGaA has rejigged a 2015 drug development deal with NASDAQ-listed Intrexon, swapping rights to potential CAR-T therapies for stock in the biology specialist.

T-cells
Merck KGaA says deal lets it stay invested in CAR-T field while focusing its R&D efforts • Source: Shutterstock

Germany's Merck KGAA has opted not to take a hands-on approach in developing Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapies and has instead changed its previous drug development deal with US-based Intrexon Corp., trading rights to potential CAR-T therapies for stock in the biotech.

Under the new arrangement, announced Dec. 20, Intrexon will issue the family-controlled German pharma $150m in shares and a $25m convertible note for stock in either Intrexon or its wholly-owned...

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