Merck and Hengrui Unite for Pioneering Cancer Therapies Worldwide

Merck and Hengrui Unite for Pioneering Cancer Therapies Worldwide

(IN BRIEF) Merck, a prominent science and technology company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals. This collaboration includes an exclusive global license (excluding China) to develop and commercialize Hengrui’s advanced PARP1 inhibitor, HRS-1167. Additionally, there is an option to license Hengrui’s Claudin-18.2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), SHR-A1904. Merck also has the option to co-promote both assets in China. This collaboration aims to advance cancer therapies by exploring innovative approaches to treat the disease. Merck will provide an upfront payment of €160 million to Hengrui, with potential payments totaling up to €1.4 billion based on development milestones and royalties on net sales.

(PRESS RELEASE) DARMSTADT, 30-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Merck (ETR: MRK), a leading science and technology company, operates across Healthcare, Life Science and Electronics, has unveiled a significant strategic collaboration with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. (Hengrui). This partnership encompasses an exclusive worldwide (excluding China) license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Hengrui’s next-generation PARP1 (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1) trapping inhibitor, HRS-1167. The agreement also includes an option for an exclusive worldwide (excluding China) license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Hengrui’s Claudin-18.2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), SHR-A1904. Furthermore, Merck retains the option to co-promote both assets within China.

“This partnership with Hengrui fully aligns with both our external innovation ambition and our oncology research and development strategy by diversifying our robust internal pipeline in our focus areas of DNA damage response inhibition and antibody-drug conjugates,” said Danny Bar-Zohar, Global Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer for the Healthcare business of Merck. “The synergies of these assets with our portfolio offer broad potential for development and the opportunity to advance more therapeutic options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. We look forward to leveraging the significant expertise of Hengrui and our strong collaboration ahead.”

In comparison to first-generation PARP inhibitors, the superior selectivity and distinctive safety profile of PARP1-specific inhibitors may offer expanded therapeutic possibilities in established and emerging indications. HRS-1167 has displayed promising clinical activity and patient benefits in Phase I trials as a monotherapy. It holds significant potential for combination therapy with chemotherapy and innovative agents, distinguishing itself from prior attempts with first-generation PARP inhibitors. This aligns with Merck’s overarching approach to the development of DNA damage response (DDR) inhibitors, investigating their synergistic effects and maximizing their potential in combination with other anticancer therapies. Merck’s research extends to the potential treatment of cancer by inhibiting multiple targets in the DDR cascade, including ATR, ATM, DNA-PK, and PARP.

Additionally, if Merck exercises its option, SHR-A1904 will complement Merck’s in-house preclinical and clinical ADC portfolio, employing diverse linker payload technologies. The first ADC developed using Merck’s proprietary technology, M9140, a CEACAM5-targeting ADC, is currently under evaluation in an ongoing Phase Ia/b study for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Merck will provide Hengrui with an upfront payment of €160 million. Hengrui will be entitled to receive payments linked to specific development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties based on Merck’s net sales. The potential aggregate payments may reach up to €1.4 billion.

“Given the high unmet need in oncology, we are excited to work closely with Merck to bring Hengrui’s innovations to cancer patients worldwide,” said Frank Jiang, board member and Chief Strategy Officer of Hengrui Pharma. “Partnering with Merck on our PARP franchise is an important milestone on Hengrui’s globalization journey. We look forward to advancing our molecules rapidly through development and reaching patients in need.”

Advancing the Future of Cancer Care

Merck remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the prospects of individuals battling cancer. The company’s research is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of promising mechanisms in cancer research, with a primary focus on synergistic approaches designed to combat cancer at its core. Merck is determined to maximize the impact of its standard-of-care treatments and continue pioneering innovative medicines. The ultimate vision is to create a world where more cancer patients transition from being patients to survivors. To learn more, visit www.merckgrouponcology.com.

Media contact:

Esther Döringer
+49 151 1454 7809

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 64,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2022, Merck generated sales of € 22.2 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

SOURCE: Merck KGaA