Merck Serono and Sutro Biopharma announce new drug alliance

Merck Serono has announced a new collaboration and license agreement with Sutro Biopharma to develop antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer.

This alliance will allow Merck Serono to take advantage of Sutro's technology platforms in its oncology programmes to develop ADCs for multiple undisclosed targets. These compounds are composed of an antibody linked to a cytotoxic drug, allowing the therapy to be delivered directly to the cancerous cells.

Combining Merck Serono's knowledge about target biology with Sutro's technological and discovery capabilities, the collaborative project aims to develop drug candidates that can ultimately address unmet needs among cancer patients.

Sutro will be responsible for delivering ADCs for phase I clinical trials, with Merck Serono taking responsibility for the clinical development and commercialisation of any resulting products.

Andree Blaukat, senior vice-president and head of cancer-related translational innovation at Merck Serono, said: "This collaboration with Sutro is reflective of our ongoing commitment to advancing innovation that may provide new therapies for patients."

This comes after the firm recently announced long-term strategic partnership with Indian pharmaceuticals business Lupin to broaden its general medicines portfolio.