Acquisition providing opportunities to develop cladribine in generalized Myasthenia Gravis(gMG), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder(NMOSD)
Cladribine selectively targets B and T cells, autoimmune diseases such as NMOSD and gMG
[The Value Chain Times=Youjin Kim Journalist] Merck, a leading science and technology company, 21st, notified a strategically focused expansion of its neurology pipeline with the acquisition of the rights to develop cladribine for the treatment of generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).
Merck signed an agreement to secure the global rights by acquiring Chord Therapeutics, a Swiss-based biotech company focused on rare neuroinflammatory diseases.
“Cladribine has a unique mechanism of action related to antibody-mediated diseases such as NMOSD and gMG,” said Danny Bar-Zohar, MD, Head of Global Development for the biopharma business of Merch. “In exploratory studies, Cladribine showed promising results in these diseases." “These data have started further development with gMG and NMOSD’s cladribine, potentially providing patients with new treatment options and expanding our portfolio in this area.”
Cladribine is a well-characterized molecule that has been extensively studied throughout multiple clerosis and oncological disorders, showing promising results in exploratory studies of gMG and NMOSD. Merck plans to utilize its existing capabilities to further develop oral cladribine products specifically tailored to these indications. The transaction is expected to end in early 2022 after the customary closing conditions are satisfactorily completed.
A logo of drugs and chemicals group Merck KGaA (photo=REUTERS)
Generalized myasthenia gravis is a disease that greatly affects the quality of life due to weakening of the eyes, limbs, and respiratory muscles. NMOSD, known as Devic’s disease, is an autoimmune disease, and is often misdiagnosed as MS with similar symptoms. NMOSD is estimated to affect 200,000 people around the world.
Chord Therapeutics is a Swiss-based clinical stage pharmaceutical company that develops drugs for patients with rare, life-threatening, and severe disabilities. Chord is developing CRD1(Cladribine), a leading candidate substance, to treat neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and general muscle loss (gMG). Chord Therapeutics was established in 2014 and was launched in October 2020 with funding from Omega Funds, a sole investor.
Merch has a long legacy in the fields of neurology and immunology with significant R&D and commercial experience for multiple sclerosis (MS). Currently, the MS portfolio includes two products for re-lab treatment of Levif® (Interferon Beta-1a) and Mavenclad® (Cladribin Tablet). Merck aims to improve the patient’s life by addressing areas where medical needs are not met. In addition to Merck’s efforts on MS, it is focusing to discovering new treatments with the potential for neuroinflammatory and immune-mediated diseases such as systemic erythematous lupus(SLE).
© 2021 The Value Chain Times. All Rights Reserved.
[The Value Chain Times=Youjin Kim Journalist]
Acquisition providing opportunities to develop cladribine in generalized Myasthenia Gravis(gMG), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder(NMOSD)
Cladribine selectively targets B and T cells, autoimmune diseases such as NMOSD and gMG
[The Value Chain Times=Youjin Kim Journalist] Merck, a leading science and technology company, 21st, notified a strategically focused expansion of its neurology pipeline with the acquisition of the rights to develop cladribine for the treatment of generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).
Merck signed an agreement to secure the global rights by acquiring Chord Therapeutics, a Swiss-based biotech company focused on rare neuroinflammatory diseases.
“Cladribine has a unique mechanism of action related to antibody-mediated diseases such as NMOSD and gMG,” said Danny Bar-Zohar, MD, Head of Global Development for the biopharma business of Merch. “In exploratory studies, Cladribine showed promising results in these diseases." “These data have started further development with gMG and NMOSD’s cladribine, potentially providing patients with new treatment options and expanding our portfolio in this area.”
Cladribine is a well-characterized molecule that has been extensively studied throughout multiple clerosis and oncological disorders, showing promising results in exploratory studies of gMG and NMOSD. Merck plans to utilize its existing capabilities to further develop oral cladribine products specifically tailored to these indications. The transaction is expected to end in early 2022 after the customary closing conditions are satisfactorily completed.
A logo of drugs and chemicals group Merck KGaA (photo=REUTERS)
Generalized myasthenia gravis is a disease that greatly affects the quality of life due to weakening of the eyes, limbs, and respiratory muscles. NMOSD, known as Devic’s disease, is an autoimmune disease, and is often misdiagnosed as MS with similar symptoms. NMOSD is estimated to affect 200,000 people around the world.
Chord Therapeutics is a Swiss-based clinical stage pharmaceutical company that develops drugs for patients with rare, life-threatening, and severe disabilities. Chord is developing CRD1(Cladribine), a leading candidate substance, to treat neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and general muscle loss (gMG). Chord Therapeutics was established in 2014 and was launched in October 2020 with funding from Omega Funds, a sole investor.
Merch has a long legacy in the fields of neurology and immunology with significant R&D and commercial experience for multiple sclerosis (MS). Currently, the MS portfolio includes two products for re-lab treatment of Levif® (Interferon Beta-1a) and Mavenclad® (Cladribin Tablet). Merck aims to improve the patient’s life by addressing areas where medical needs are not met. In addition to Merck’s efforts on MS, it is focusing to discovering new treatments with the potential for neuroinflammatory and immune-mediated diseases such as systemic erythematous lupus(SLE).
© 2021 The Value Chain Times. All Rights Reserved.
[The Value Chain Times=Youjin Kim Journalist]