MERCK
20.12.2021 14:02:06 CET | Business Wire | Press release
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
Andersen Global udvider sine juridiske kompetencer gennem samarbejde med Beech Incorporated13.8.2026 18:01:00 CEST | Pressemeddelelse
Andersen Global indgår en samarbejdsaftale med det sydafrikanske advokatfirma Beech Incorporated og udvider dermed sine juridiske kompetencer i regionen. Beech Incorporated leverer juridisk og regulatorisk rådgivning til mine-, vedvarende energi-, infrastruktur-, olie- og gassektorerne med speciale inden for fusioner og opkøb, kommercielle forhold, projektfinansiering, sundhed, sikkerhed og miljø, ansættelsesret samt compliance. Firmaets tværfaglige team rådgiver klienter gennem hele projektets livscyklus – fra udvikling og finansiering til drift og interessenthåndtering – og er anerkendt som et førende advokatfirma af blandt andre publikationer somChambers and Partners og The Legal 500 . "Vores tilgang bygger på en praktisk forståelse af de brancher, vi arbejder inden for, og på at levere konkret og handlingsorienteret rådgivning til klienter, der opererer i komplekse regulatoriske miljøer," siger Warren Beech, der er CEO for Beech Incorporated. "Gennem samarbejdet med Andersen Global
BTG Pactual TIG and Conservation International Reach 20,000 Hectares of Cerrado UnderRestoration, Accelerating Latin American Reforestation Strategy, Increasing Biodiversity andSocial Impacts13.8.2026 17:47:00 CEST | Press release
BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (BTG Pactual TIG) and Conservation International today announced that native ecosystem restoration is now underway across more than 20,000 hectares of Brazil's Cerrado biome, marking a significant acceleration of the firms' Latin American reforestation strategy. According to data recorded by the Brazilian Restoration and Reforestation Observatory, an independent platform that tracks and maps native vegetation recovery, this further cements the strategy’s position as the largest ever restoration effort in the region. Conservation International serves as Impact Adviser for social and environmental outcomes. The strategy focuses on conserving, restoring and reforesting degraded landscapes across Latin America, including Brazil's Cerrado, one of the world’s most biodiverse and fastest disappearing seasonally dry ecosystems. More than half of the Cerrado has already been cleared for cattle ranching and farming. The strategy targets degraded cattle pas
Milliman names Jim Fulton next CEO13.8.2026 17:40:00 CEST | Press release
Fulton to assume CEO role in October after 11 years as CFO Milliman, Inc., a leading global actuarial and consulting firm, today announced that Jim Fulton has been named Milliman’s next Chief Executive Officer. Fulton has served as Milliman’s Chief Financial Officer since 2015 and has been a leader driving the firm’s organic growth and M&A strategy. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260811027168/en/ Milliman, Inc., a leading global actuarial and consulting firm, today announced that Jim Fulton has been named Milliman’s next Chief Executive Officer. Fulton has served as Milliman’s Chief Financial Officer since 2015 and has been a leader driving the firm’s organic growth and M&A strategy. Fulton’s appointment reflects Milliman’s evolution from an actuarial firm to a multidisciplinary consultancy, risk management, and technology solution provider. His expertise includes stints with Big 4 accounting and private equi
Clinilabs Announces Leadership Expansion and Welcomes Laura Shannon as Chief Executive Officer and Promotion of Founder Gary Zammit, Ph.D., to Executive Chairperson13.8.2026 16:05:00 CEST | Press release
Clinilabs, a leading specialty contract research organization (CRO) focused on central nervous system (CNS) drug and device development, today announced leadership expansion. Laura Shannon joins the organization as Chief Executive Officer as Gary Zammit, Ph.D., the Company’s founder, assumes the role of Executive Chairperson. This expansion of the senior leadership team is a recognition of a growing organization with global capabilities and continuing commitment to advancing treatments for patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260813362140/en/ Laura Shannon joins Clinilabs as Chief Executive Officer as Gary Zammit, Ph.D., the Company’s founder, assumes the role of Executive Chairperson Ms. Shannon is a dynamic leader with more than 30 years of biopharma industry experience, known for her ability to build high-performing teams, forge strategic alliances, and drive
Resurgens Technology Partners Invests in Qarma to Advance the Future of Quality and Compliance13.8.2026 15:00:00 CEST | Press release
Partnership brings together Resurgens' software investing expertise and Qarma’s leading quality and compliance platform to accelerate product innovation and expand its reach across North America, Europe, and Asia Resurgens Technology Partners (“Resurgens”), a software-focused private equity firm, today announced its partnership with Qarma, a leading global provider of AI-powered quality and compliance software for brands, retailers, and manufacturers managing complex, global supply chains. Qarma has built a platform that combines best-practice quality and compliance with hands-on execution where it matters most, on the factory floor. Qarma will continue to be led by its Co-founders, CEO Jacob Nedergaard and CTO Søren Mønsted. Founded in 2016, Qarma serves customers across industries, including furniture and home, apparel, consumer goods, and electronics. Its platform connects quality and compliance teams, sourcing professionals, suppliers, and inspectors. Over the past decade, Qarma ha
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