F-star CEO: Revamped Merck KGaA Pact Is First Step In New Corp Direction

F-star CEO tells Scrip reconfiguring biotech’s pact with Merck KGaA on oncology asset FS118 is UK group’s first big move towards a wholly owned portfolio strategy.

New_Direction
F-star is building a proprietary pipeline while retaining collaborations • Source: Shutterstock

A revision to F-star’s agreement with Merck KGaA has propelled the UK-based bispecific antibody specialist on a new course to develop a proprietary pipeline, its CEO said.

The 2017 immuno-oncology R&D collaboration with Merck KGaA granted the German group exclusive development and commercial rights to five novel bispecific antibodies, including FS118, a first-in-class antagonist inducing dual blockade of PD-L1 and LAG-3 mediated immunosuppressive pathways

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