Ark Therapeutics agrees manufacturing deal with Merck

Ark Therapeutics has signed a preferred supplier memorandum with Merck Sharpe and Dohme which will see Ark produce medications on the company’s behalf.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ark will utilise its cGMP-licensed facility in Finland, which has been ratified in accordance with international standards, to produce gene-based medicinal products.

This appointment currently remains subject to the signing of a binding detailed manufacturing agreement.

Nigel Parker, chief executive officer at Ark, stated that the firm is looking forward to working together with Merck Sharpe and Dohme on this initiative.

He said: “We are able to provide a unique full manufacturing service and supply high level expertise and regulatory support documentation through our experiences with our own late stage adenoviral products.”

This week, the company also revealed that it has filed a request for re-examination of its European regulatory approval application for Cerepro, a gene therapy option for brain cancer patients.