Merck and Daiichi Sankyo collaborate on MK-6070 for global T-cell engager development

New Delhi: Merck and Daiichi Sankyo have enhanced their global collaboration with a new agreement. The two pharmaceutical giants will now co-develop and co-commercialize MK-6070, a novel investigational drug targeting delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) through a T-cell engager mechanism.

This agreement spans global markets, excluding Japan where Merck will retain exclusive rights. Additionally, Merck will oversee the production and supply of MK-6070.

MK-6070 is currently undergoing Phase 1/2 clinical trials and targets DLL3, a protein frequently overexpressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and neuroendocrine tumors. The drug’s development will include exploring its potential in combination therapies, such as with ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd), which is already part of the ongoing collaboration between the companies. Merck acquired MK-6070 through its purchase of Harpoon Therapeutics.

Dr. Dean Y. Li, President of Merck Research Laboratories, emphasized, “Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive, fast-growing form of lung cancer and new treatment approaches are urgently needed. We are pleased to build upon our collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo and look forward to evaluating the novel combination of MK-6070 and ifinatamab deruxtecan in small cell lung cancer and other forms of cancer.”

Ken Takeshita, MD, Global Head of R&D at Daiichi Sankyo, highlighted the strategic value of incorporating MK-6070 into their oncology portfolio. “Expanding our oncology pipeline with a DLL3 T-cell engager further supports Daiichi Sankyo’s strategy to create new standards of care for patients with cancer worldwide. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Merck with the addition of MK-6070 as it provides potential synergies with our established antibody-drug conjugate collaboration, particularly ifinatamab deruxtecan, and demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing new medicines for patients.”

The agreement involves an upfront payment of $170 million to Merck and fulfills a contingent obligation from their earlier partnership. The two companies will equally share the costs and profits associated with MK-6070’s global development and commercialization, except in Japan where Merck maintains exclusive rights and Daiichi Sankyo will earn a royalty on sales. The financial arrangements for research and development expenses related to MK-6070, especially in combination with ifinatamab deruxtecan, will follow the structure established in their earlier agreements.