MERCK
Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced a strategically focused expansion of its neurology pipeline with the acquisition of the rights to develop cladribine for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Merck entered into an agreement to secure the global rights by acquiring Chord Therapeutics, a Swiss-based biotech company focused on rare neuroinflammatory diseases.
“Cladribine has a unique mechanism of action which is relevant in antibody-mediated disease such as NMOSD and gMG. In exploratory studies, cladribine demonstrated promising results in these diseases. These data have prompted us to initiate further development with cladribine in gMG and NMOSD to potentially bring a new therapeutic option to patients and expand our portfolio in this area,” said Danny Bar-Zohar, MD, Head of Global Development for the biopharma business of Merck.
Cladribine is a well characterized molecule that has been extensively studied across MS and oncologic disorders and has shown promising results in exploratory studies in gMG and NMOSD. Merck plans to leverage its existing capabilities to further develop an oral cladribine product tailored specifically for these indications. The transaction is expected to be closed in early 2022 after satisfactory completion of customary closing conditions.
Generalized myasthenia gravis is a disease in which patients experience weakness in ocular, limb, and respiratory muscles and that has a significant impact on Quality of Life. It is estimated that 700,000 people around the world are living with gMG. NMOSD, also known as Devic´s disease, is an autoimmune disease, often misdiagnosed as MS due to similar symptoms. NMOSD is estimated to impact 200,000 people around the world.
About Chord Therapeutics
Chord Therapeutics is a Swiss-based clinical stage pharmaceutical company developing drugs for patients with rare, life-threatening and severely disabling diseases. Chord is advancing its lead drug candidate, CRD1 (cladribine), for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). Chord Therapeutics was founded in 2014 and launched in October 2020 with Series A funding by its sole investor, Omega Funds, a leading international venture capital firm focused on delivering impactful medicines to patients.
Merck in Neurology and Immunology
Merck has a long-standing legacy in neurology and immunology, with significant R&D and commercial experience in multiple sclerosis (MS). The company`s current MS portfolio includes two products for the treatment of relapsing MS – Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) and MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets). Merck aims to improve the lives of patients by addressing areas of unmet medical needs. In addition to Merck`s commitment to MS, the company also has a pipeline focusing on discovering new therapies that have the potential in other neuroinflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.
About Merck
Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics. Around 58,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2020, Merck generated sales of € 17.5 billion in 66 countries.
Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Electronics.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211220005062/en/
Link:
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Incyte Announces Positive CHMP Opinion for Minjuvi® (tafasitamab) for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma (FL)17.11.2025 07:00:00 CET | Press release
Pending the European Commission decision, Minjuvi® (tafasitamab) in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide will represent an important new therapeutic option from second line for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) in EuropeIn Western countries, relapsed or refractory FL affects 2-4 out of every 100,000 people1The positive Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommendation is based on data from the Phase 3 inMIND trial which showed patients with relapsed or refractory FL achieved significantly improved progression-free survival with Minjuvi in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide2 Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a positive opinion recommending the approval of Minjuvi® (tafasitamab) in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) (Grade 1-3a) after at
ASDS 2025: Compelling New Data on Restylane, Sculptra and Relfydess Highlight Galderma’s Innovative Injectable Aesthetics Portfolio and Pipeline17.11.2025 07:00:00 CET | Press release
At ASDS 2025, Galderma unveiled pivotal new data from its range of pioneering Restylane® hyaluronic acid (HA) injectables, highlighting its versatility in improving the chin profile with Restylane Lyft™, temple volume with investigational Restylane Contour™* and skin quality in the décolletage (neckline) with investigational Restylane Skinboosters™*1-3 Nine-month results from a first-of-its-kind clinical trial were presented, reinforcing that the treatment regimen of Restylane Lyft or Restylane Contour with Sculptra® delivers sustained aesthetic facial improvements for patients experiencing facial aesthetic changes after medication-driven weight loss4 The company also presented new phase III data on its investigational product Relfydess™ (RelabotulinumtoxinA)* relating to its rapid onset as early as day one and long duration of effect on frown lines and crow’s feet5 Galderma (SIX: GALD), the pure-play dermatology category leader, today announced that it presented new data from its Inje
UBS and Ant International Partner on Blockchain-Based Real-Time Cross-Border Payments Settlement and Liquidity Management17.11.2025 05:42:00 CET | Press release
UBS has entered a strategic partnership with Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitisation, and financial technology provider, to explore innovations in blockchain-based tokenised deposits to support Ant International’s global payments settlement and liquidity management. Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UBS’s flagship office at 9 Penang Road in Singapore. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251116743090/en/ From left to right: Young Jin Yee, Co-Head UBS Global Wealth Management Asia Pacific and Country Head Singapore, Kay Tin Khoo, Head Corporate Institutional Clients Asia Pacific, UBS, Kelvin Li, General Manager of Platform Tech at Ant International, and Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International at the MoU signing ceremony at UBS Singapore office at 9 Penang Road. Under the MoU, Ant International will leverage UBS Digital Cash, a blockchain-based payment platfor
Nitto Extends Partnership with the ATP Until 203017.11.2025 04:24:00 CET | Press release
Nitto Denko Corporation (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President: Hideo Takasaki; hereafter “Nitto”)(TOKYO:6988) is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership with the ATP for an additional five years, through 2030. Under this renewed agreement, Nitto will continue its role as the Title Partner of the Nitto ATP Finals, the season-ending championship, in collaboration with the ATP and the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP). By sponsoring this tournament, recognized as one of the most sustainable events on the ATP Tour, Nitto aims to inspire and amaze while pursuing further growth as a global company. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251116197903/en/ Nitto Extends Partnership with the ATP Until 2030 : ©Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour Since 2017, Nitto has served as the Title Partner of the Nitto ATP Finals―the year-end climax of the men's professional tennis circuit featuring the world’s the top eight s
AIT Worldwide Logistics’ Global Expansion Continues With First Facility in Indonesia17.11.2025 04:01:00 CET | Press release
Jakarta office launches in response to demand for logistics expertise in Southeast Asia As part of its ongoing organic expansion strategy, global supply chain solutions leader, AIT Worldwide Logistics, opened its first office in Jakarta, Indonesia. The new facility represents the eighth country in the AIT-Asia network and exemplifies the company’s adaptability and flexibility in response to customer demands in the region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251116717860/en/ Teammates gathered to celebrate the grand opening of AIT-Jakarta. According to AIT’s Chief Strategy Officer, Greg Weigel, the team in Jakarta will collaborate with AIT’s expansive global network to quickly customize sea, air and road solutions unique to each client’s organizational needs, with a particular focus on the region’s flourishing industrial, technology and telecommunications sectors. “Jakarta is a pivotal market for us as we continue
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom