The collaboration’s goal is to identify small molecule candidates with activity towards a tumor suppressor protein for cancer treatment. Astex’s fragment-based drug discovery platform will be used to develop compounds targeting multiple forms of the p53 tumor suppressor protein and provide Merck & Co (MSD ) with lead compounds for further optimization and preclinical development. MSD is granted an exclusive global license to research, develop, and commercialize candidates arising under the collaboration. Astex will receive an upfront payment of $35 million and is eligible for milestone payments associated with the achievement of preclinical, clinical, regulatory and sales milestones, totaling approximately $500 million per program, as well as tiered royalties on sales of any products arising from the collaboration. MSD will assume responsibility for funding all future research and development of lead candidates and the commercialization of products globally.
“Astex is applying its fragment-based drug discovery capability to design and generate small molecule modulators tailored to a wide range of potentially important therapeutic targets,” said Harren Jhoti, president and CEO of Astex. “This new alliance builds on our existing productive collaboration and allows us to combine our expertise and assets with MSD’s wide-ranging oncology capabilities.”
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