MSD and SurModics sign research and licensing agreement

Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) and SurModics have announced the signing of a license and research partnership agreement for the development and marketing of the I-vation sustained drug delivery system.

The system will be developed with TA (triamcinolone acetonide) and other products combining proprietary compounds from MSD with the system as a treatment for major retinal diseases.

According to the terms of the agreement, MSD will pay SurModics an initial licensing fee of $20 million (10 million pounds), with further landmark sums of up to $288 million to be paid upon the attainment of development and regulatory milestones.

MSD will also fund the development and marketing efforts for the I-vation system used in conjunction with its compounds, while Sur Modics will be responsible for the supply and manufacture of commercial and clinical products.

Darryle D Schoepp, senior-vice president and head of neuroscience research and development at MSD, said: “I-vation’s encouraging TA phase I clinical trial results along with SurModics’ depth of technologies and expertise in polymers for sustained drug delivery make SurModics a compelling and complementary development partner.”

He added that the introduction of new treatments for retinal diseases would add to the company’s existing history on ophthalmic therapies, including its strong glaucoma product portfolio.

Earlier this month, it was announced that scientists are to use stem cells in new research trials aiming to restore the vision of patients blinded by age-related macular degeneration.