Archemix and Merck sign strategic alliance

Archemix Corp, a privately-held biopharmaceutical developer of aptamers, and Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, have formed a multi-year strategic alliance to discover, develop and commercialise aptamer therapeutics with a primary focus on the treatment of cancer.

The alliance combines Archemix" proprietary SELEX technology to discover and generate aptamer candidates with Merck's oncology drug development and commercialisation capabilities.

Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids that form well-defined 3D shapes, allowing them to bind target molecules in a manner that is conceptually similar to antibodies. They combine the optimal characteristics of small molecules and antibodies, including high specificity and affinity, chemical stability, low immunogenicity and the ability to target protein-protein interactions. In contrast to monoclonal antibodies, aptamers are chemically synthesised rather than biologically expressed.

Archemix will receive a $29.8m equity investment from Merck KGaA. Merck KGaA also retains an option, under certain circumstances, to acquire additional Archemix common stock upon an initial public offering. Other financial terms were not disclosed.

This is the second research agreement this year between the two companies.

The collaboration gives Merck Serono the option to obtain product licenses to certain of Archemix's lead stage aptamer programs in oncology and the right to select and develop aptamers against six additional targets in oncology and other indications, including autoimmune and inflammation disorders.

"The collaboration with Merck Serono represents a key strategic initiative for Archemix and the development of our pipeline, especially in the area of cancer," said Errol De Souza, president and ceo, Archemix. "We will be working with a recognized leader in drug development to discover, develop and commercialize first-in-class aptamer-based therapeutics. With our co-development and co-promote options we can participate in the development and commercialization of certain of the products that come out of the collaboration while simultaneously generating cash flows to fund our proprietary aptamer pipeline."

"Aptamers have the potential to play a key role in the next generation of drugs in our core therapeutic areas," said Dr Bernhard Kirschbaum, executive senior vice president and director of research, Merck Serono. "Archemix is the leader in the discovery of aptamer therapeutics and we believe that, as a class, aptamers can create a new paradigm of treatment."