Bayer and Ardea Biosciences to develop MEK inhibitors for cancer treatment
Bayer HealthCare, Germany has entered into a global agreement with Ardea Biosciences, of San Diego, US focused on the development of small molecule mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumours. These kinases are said to play an important role in cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis, as well as inflammation.
Bayer HealthCare, Germany has entered into a global agreement with Ardea Biosciences, of San Diego, US focused on the development of small molecule mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumours. These kinases are said to play an important role in cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis, as well as inflammation.
The lead compound in this programme, RDEA119, is under evaluation in advanced cancer patients of different tumour types as a single agent in a Phase I study as well as in combination with sorafenib (Nexavar, Bayer HealthCare, Onyx Pharmaceuticals) in a Phase I/II study.
"We are very excited about the potential use of MEK inhibitors to treat a broad range of cancer indications," said Kemal Malik, Bayer's head of global development. "We are looking forward to working with Ardea's team on the development of novel cancer treatments for patients."
Ardea will be responsible for the completion of the Phase I and Phase I/II studies. Thereafter, Bayer will take responsibility for the further development and commercialisation of RDEA119 and any of Ardea's other MEK inhibitors.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ardea will grant Bayer a worldwide, exclusive licence to develop and commercialise Ardea's MEK inhibitors for all indications. Potential payments to Ardea under the agreement could total up to US$407m, not including royalties. This includes an upfront cash payment to Ardea of $35m, as well as additional cash payments upon reaching certain development milestones and royalties on sales.
