Merck Serono Partners with Sutro Biopharma
Merck Serono, the biopharma division of German drug giant Merck, and Sutro Biopharma have announced a new collaboration and license agreement to develop antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).
The two organisations will work alongside each other, using Sutro’s cell-free protein synthesis platforms, to discover and develop multiple ADCs, antibodies linked to cytotoxic drugs for increased targeted delivery.
Within the agreement, Sutro Biopharma will be responsible for delivering ADCs for Phase I clinical trials, while Merck Serono retains responsibility for clinical development and commercialisation of any resulting products.
The terms of the deal detail that Merck Serono will pay an initial upfront payment and will fund certain R&D activities.
Its partner will receive payments on completion of certain research, development and regulatory milestones of up to approximately 230 million Euros, in addition to royalties on product sales in return. Additional financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.