Merck Serono acquires rights to multiple sclerosis drug

Merck Serono has agreed a deal with fellow healthcare company Peptimmune that will see it gain access to a promising new therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS).

The company has acquired exclusive worldwide rights covering the development and commercialisation of PI-2301, an investigational compound that has successfully completed phase 1b MS trials.

A second-generation peptide copolymer that enhances the regulatory response of the immune system, PI-2301 is thought to be an innovative new therapy option that could meet the needs of many MS patients.

Merck Serono plans to carry out phase II testing of the drug, while investigating its potential applications against a range of autoimmune diseases.

Susan Herbert, head of global portfolio development at Merck Serono, said: "We are pleased to strengthen our development pipeline with the PI-2301 compound, which could play a valuable role in the treatment of this debilitating disease."

Earlier this month, the company announced a new collaboration with F-Star on the development of new inflammatory disease treatments, utilising innovative modular antibody technology.