Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6260 Merck and Ridgeback Bio Collaborate | Contract Pharma

What are you searching for?

Sign in
Breaking News, Collaborations & Alliances

Merck and Ridgeback Bio Collaborate

Plan to advance development of novel antiviral candidate, EIDD-2801

By: Contract Pharma

Contract Pharma Staff

Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, a closely held biotechnology company, have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop EIDD-2801, an orally available antiviral candidate currently in early clinical development for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
 
“In addition to our efforts to develop potential vaccines to SARS-CoV-2, we have also been evaluating our own anti-viral assets and those from external sources for their potential to treat individuals with COVID-19,” said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, president, Merck Research Laboratories. “Clinical evaluation of EIDD-2801 in COVID-19 patients is just beginning, now that phase 1 studies have demonstrated that the compound is well-tolerated. Since preclinical studies demonstrate that EIDD-2801 has potent antiviral properties against multiple coronavirus strains including SARS-CoV-2, we are eager to advance the next phase of clinical studies as rapidly and responsibly as possible.”
 
Under terms of the agreement, Merck, through a subsidiary, will gain exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize EIDD-2801 and related molecules. Ridgeback Bio will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, specified milestones and a share of the net proceeds of EIDD-2801 and related molecules, if approved. Merck will be responsible for clinical development, regulatory filings and manufacturing. The transaction is subject customary closing conditions.
 
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic we have worked closely with our network of esteemed collaborators to advance EIDD-2801 into the clinic,” said Wendy Holman, CEO, Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. “This agreement with Merck, a leader in infectious disease therapeutics, positions us to harness the full potential of EIDD-2801 and, if approved, deliver it to the patients that need it globally.”
 
Merck and Ridgeback say they are committed to ensure that any medicines they develop for SARS-CoV-2 will be accessible and affordable globally.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Get the latest Contract Pharma news, insights and analysis in your Google Search and AI experiences.

Add Contract Pharma as a preferred source on Google (opens in a new tab)

Keep Up With Our Content. Subscribe To Contract Pharma Newsletters

Topics