AbbVie U-Turns On Dong-A’s MerTK Program After Development Delays

After apparent long delays in development, AbbVie returns rights to Dong-A's MerTK program, with the South Korean pharma yet to determine the fate of the still preclinical stage assets.

Uturn
Dong-A Yet To Determine New Development Plans after abbvie u-turn • Source: Alamy

AbbVie Inc. has returned its rights to a MerTK inhibitor program licensed from originator Dong-A ST well over four years ago, marking a setback for the leading South Korean pharma firm’s plan to step up its novel immuno-oncology R&D.

Dong-A ST, an affiliate of Dong-A Socio Holdings , said in a stock market disclosure that it would retain the $40m upfront payment from the two firms' original deal...

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