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Datum nieuwsfeit: 29-09-2005
Merck KGaA en Takeda: overeenkomst voor gezamenlijke ontwikkeling en promotie van Matuzumab kankerbehandeling; overeenkomst betreft belangrijkste farmaceutische markten
( BW)(MERCK-KGAA/TAKEDA)(MRK.DE)(MRK.F) Merck KGaA and Takeda to
Co-Develop and Co-Promote Matuzumab Cancer Treatment; Agreement Covers
the World's Major Pharmaceutical Markets
Pharmaceutical Writers/Health Editors/Healthcare Editors/Medical
Editors
DARMSTADT, Germany & OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 29,
2005--Merck KGaA and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced
today that they have entered into a co-development and
co-commercialization agreement for Merck's matuzumab (development
code: EMD 72000), a humanized monoclonal antibody for the treatment of
cancer.
Under the agreement, Merck will receive an up-front payment of EUR
60 million, which will be booked in the third quarter of 2005. In
addition, Merck will receive significant milestone payments. The
companies have a formula for splitting profits, with Merck booking
matuzumab sales in all regions except Japan. Matuzumab was developed
by Merck and currently is in Phase II clinical trials in patients with
non-small cell lung, gastric and colorectal cancers.
Merck decided to enter into a cooperation with Takeda in order to
put more resources and expertise toward this important product for the
treatment of cancer. Takeda's experience and commitment in the field
of oncology makes it a perfect fit with Merck.
"This collaboration with Takeda, Japan's largest pharmaceutical
company, will allow us to move ahead quickly with development and
commercialization of this potentially important product for cancer
patients," said Elmar J. Schnee, President of Merck Ethical
Pharmaceuticals. "Our complementary strengths in clinical development
and commercialization will help us bring matuzumab to cancer patients
around the world."
The two companies will collaborate on development and
commercialization efforts in the major pharmaceutical markets of the
world, excluding Australia and Latin America.
Merck's Other Oncology Activities
Matuzumab is Merck's second EGFR (epidermal growth factor
receptor)-specific monoclonal antibody aimed at fighting cancerous
tumors. Merck gained Swissmedic approval of Erbitux for the treatment
of colorectal cancer in November 2003 followed by European Union
approval in June 2004. Erbitux is now approved in more than 40
countries within Merck's marketing territory. Merck submitted
applications to the EMEA and Swissmedic on August 30, 2005, for the
use of Erbitux to treat head and neck cancer. Merck's second-quarter
sales of Erbitux amounted to EUR 52 million.
Merck focuses on four therapeutic technology platforms in
oncology:
-- EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibodies that may block tumor
growth;
-- Immunocytokines that may provide local stimulation of the
immune system;
-- Angiogenesis inhibitors that may starve tumors of the blood
supply they need to grow and spread; and
-- Cancer vaccines that may stimulate a specific immune response
against tumors.
Matuzumab Clinical Trials
Data from clinical trials involving matuzumab presented at the
American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in May 2005 included:
-- Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Response to
treatment with matuzumab and paclitaxel was not reliant on
mutations in the kinase domain of the EGFR.1 These mutations
are found in about 2 percent to 25 percent of NSCLC patients
and some research has shown that the efficacy of EGFR tyrosine
kinase inhibitors is correlated with the presence of
mutations, whereas matuzumab appears not to rely on this
mutation, based on the data presented.
-- Advanced esophago-gastric adenocarcinoma. Preliminary results
from two studies indicate that the combination of matuzumab
and two commonly used chemotherapy regimens - cisplatin,
5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (PFL), and epirubicin, cisplatin
and capecitabine (ECX) - appear to be well tolerated in the
first-line setting.2,3
1. Oechsle K et al. Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol, Orlando, Florida,
2005: abstr 8166.
2. Trarbach T et al. Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol, Orlando, Florida,
2005: abstr 3156.
3. Cunningham D et al. Presented at ASCO, Orlando, Florida, 2005:
abstr 4001.
About Takeda
Takeda, located in Osaka, Japan, is a research-based global
company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest
pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the
industry, Takeda is committed to striving toward better health for
individuals and progress in medicine by developing superior
pharmaceutical products. Additional information about Takeda is
available at: www.takeda.com.
Takeda contact: Seizo Masuda, tel. +81-(0)6-6204-2060
Masuda_Seizo@takeda.co.jp
All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same
time they become available on the Merck Website. Please go to
http://www.subscribe.merck.de to register online, change your
selection or discontinue this service.
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with sales
of EUR 5.9 billion in 2004, a history that began in 1668, and a future
shaped by 28,600 employees in 54 countries. Its success is
characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's
operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which
the Merck family holds a 73% interest and free shareholders own the
remaining 27%. The former U.S. subsidiary, Merck & Co., has been
completely independent of the Merck Group since 1917.
--30--GC/lo*
CONTACT: Merck KGaA
Phyllis Carter, +49 (0) 61 51/72-7144
or
Takeda
Seizo Masuda, +81-(0)6-6204-2060
Masuda_Seizo@takeda.co.jp