Organizations may receive $165 million in development milestones.
Medarex and Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories (MBL) have out-licensed to Merck & Co. an antibody combination that targets C. difficile in a deal worth over $225 million. Merck gains the worldwide rights to market and further develop the CDA-1 and CDB-1 antibody combination and will pay Medarex and MBL $60 million up front.
A further $165 million will be paid upon the completion of certain milestones. Medarex and MBL will recieve double-digit royalties and milestones if certain sales levels are met. Pursuant to a prior co-development agreement, Medarex and MBL will divide all payments equally.
A Phase II multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial showed a reduction in the incidence of infection among 200 patients when compared to those taking a placebo, says Merck. An oral presentation of the results is slated for June 2 at Digestive Disease Week.
