Merck Sharp and Dohme and AiCuris announce partnership

Merck Sharp and Dohme has agreed a worldwide licensing deal for a portfolio of investigational medicines targeting human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) from AiCuris.

The agreement will see a subsidiary of Merck gaining worldwide rights to develop and commercialise a number of HCMV candidates, including letermovir, which is currently being investigated for the treatment and prevention of HCMV infection in transplant recipients.

AiCuris will receive a 110 million euro (88.89 million pounds) upfront payment and is eligible for milestone fees of up to 332.5 million euros based on the achievement of development, regulatory and commercialisation goals, plus royalty payments.

This will help address the pressing need for new therapies against HCMV, which commonly affects organ and bone marrow transplant patients.

Dr Roger Pomerantz, senior vice-president, worldwide licensing and knowledge management and infectious disease franchise head at Merck Research Laboratories, said: "AiCuris has built a leading portfolio of innovative antiviral HCMV candidates that are designed to address novel targets and offer the potential for HCMV prophylaxis."

Last week, Merck Sharp and Dohme announced that it will be moving its global headquarters to its existing property in Summit, New Jersey, as part of its ongoing efforts to consolidate its operations.