Merck Signs Cancer Deal with Spanish National Cancer Research Centre
Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, has entered into an agreement on cancer drug development with the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) in Madrid.
Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, has entered into an agreement on cancer drug development with the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) in Madrid. The agreement will build upon CNIO research discoveries with the aim of translating its research into new treatment options for cancer patients.
Under the terms of the license agreement, Merck receives exclusive rights to develop and commercialize CNIO’s new inhibitors of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase. Merck will in turn make an initial payment to CNIO along with other potential income of up to € 19 million, as well as royalties on net sales. The agreement encompasses the licensing of two series of ATR inhibitors, as well as a screening platform to validate the compounds, which have currently reached an advanced preclinical stage.
ATR kinase plays an important role in the response to DNA damage and in facilitating cell survival. Due to the fact that tumor cells accumulate more DNA damage than healthy cells, blocking ATR kinase activity with selective inhibitors appears to be a strategy worth investigating further for specific tumor types.
Source: Merck Serono
Drug Solutions Podcast: A Closer Look at mRNA in Oncology and Vaccines
April 30th 2024In this episode fo the Drug Solutions Podcast, etherna’s vice-president of Technology and Innovation, Stefaan De Koker, discusses the merits and challenges of using mRNA as the foundation for therapeutics in oncology as well as for vaccines.
Understanding the Variability in Bioburden Test Results in Biomanufacturing
May 7th 2025This article explores the impact of test volume, microbial distribution, and dilution errors on bioburden testing variability. It presents statistical approaches to estimate percentage error and discusses strategies to optimize microbial enumeration techniques in biopharmaceutical quality control.
Drug Solutions Podcast: Gliding Through the Ins and Outs of the Pharma Supply Chain
November 14th 2023In this episode of the Drug Solutions podcast, Jill Murphy, former editor, speaks with Bourji Mourad, partnership director at ThermoSafe, about the supply chain in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically related to packaging, pharma air freight, and the pressure on suppliers with post-COVID-19 changes on delivery.
Intertek to Expand UK GMP Facility with 6000 Square Feet of Lab and Office Space
May 7th 2025The company said the expansion is in response to globally rising demand for inhaled biologics, which offer distinct advantages in route of administration, but can be challenging products for developers.
