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
BitGo sikrer OCC-godkendelse til konvertering til føderalt chartret National Trust Bank13.12.2025 02:12:00 CET | Pressemeddelelse
Sætter ny standard for institutionel digital aktivinfrastruktur med samlet føderal tilsyn BitGo Holdings, Inc. (“BitGo”), virksomheden inden for digital aktivinfrastruktur, annoncerede i dag, at Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) godkendte virksomhedens ansøgning om at konvertere BitGo Trust Company, Inc., et trustselskab registreret i South Dakota, til en nationalbank ved navn BitGo Bank & Trust, National Association (N.A.). Med dagens OCC-godkendelse af konverteringen fungerer BitGos datterselskab af Trust Company nu som BitGo Bank & Trust, National Association (N.A.). BitGo Bank & Trust, N.A. vil operere under et enkelt, ensartet føderalt tilsynssystem, der gør det muligt at levere den klarhed, styring og reguleringssikkerhed, som institutioner forventer af et føderalt reguleret fiduciært selskab. Denne godkendelse styrker BitGos position som et institutionelt fundament for det moderne finansielle system, der kombinerer tilsyn på bankniveau med den sikkerhed, complian
FIA, Formula 1 Group and All 11 Race Teams Officially Sign the Ninth Concorde Agreement, Securing Strength and Stability for the Sport in Pivotal Five-Year Agreement12.12.2025 17:10:00 CET | Press release
Multi-year Concorde Governance Agreement signed by the FIA, Formula 1 Group and all 11 teams, securing the World Championship through 2030 Paves the way for a more professionalised sport and represents a new era of collaboration between the FIA and Formula 1 Group Long-term commitment enhances sporting reliability, global reach and stability for teams, fans and broadcasters The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, and Formula 1 Group, the Commercial Rights Holder, have today announced the signing of the Concorde Governance Agreement, a crucial contract defining the regulatory framework and governance terms of the FIA Formula One World Championship until 2030. This follows the announcement in March that the 2026 Commercial Concorde Agreement had been signed by all the teams and Formula 1 Group. Together, these agreements constitute the ninth Concorde Agreement, representing a m
Anabranch Capital Management, LP supports relisting of SmartCraft ASA to Nasdaq Stockholm12.12.2025 16:26:00 CET | Press release
Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement by SmartCraft ASA ("SmartCraft" or the "Company") on 1 December 2025 regarding the contemplated relisting of SmartCraft from Euronext Oslo Børs to Nasdaq Stockholm (the "Relisting") and the announcement of a cross-border merger to effect the Relisting. Funds managed by Anabranch Capital Management, LP (“Anabranch”) intend to vote in favour of the merger plan resolved by the boards of SmartCraft and its Swedish wholly owned subsidiary, SmartCraft Group AB (publ), to effect the Relisting at the Company's extraordinary general meeting planned for January 2025 (the "EGM"). Anabranch intends to vote with all Anabranch shares held at the Record Date for the EGM in favour of the relisting effected by the merger plan. Funds managed by Anabranch currently hold approximately 15.9 million shares in SmartCraft. Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the authors and Anabranch Capital Management, LP as of the date referenced and are subject
Mohammed Ben Sulayem Re-Elected as President of the FIA12.12.2025 15:49:00 CET | Press release
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, today confirms that Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been re-elected as President of the FIA, following the election of his Presidential List by the General Assembly in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251212213181/en/ President Mohammed Ben Sulayem now begins his second four-year term, having overseen a period of significant renewal and stabilisation for the organisation since his initial election in 2021. Over the past four years, the FIA has undergone a wide-ranging transformation, improving governance, operations and restoring the financial health of the federation. These changes have strengthened the FIA’s position as the world’s governing body for motorsport and the leading authority on safe, sustainable, and affordable mobility.
Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results12.12.2025 15:00:00 CET | Press release
Net sales of $61.1 million for the quarter and $155.8 million year-to-date.Income before income taxes of $10.9 million for the quarter and $21.1 million year-to-date.Diluted earnings per share of $0.77 for the quarter and $1.49 year-to-date.Backlog of $148.9 million at October 31, 2025, up from $138.1 million at January 31, 2025. Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PPIH) announced today financial results for the third quarter ended October 31, 2025. “For the three months ended October 31, 2025, net sales were $61.1 million, an increase of $19.5 million, or 46.9%, compared to $41.6 million in the same quarter of the prior year. Growth was driven by higher sales volumes in both the Middle East and North America. Gross profit was $21.0 million, up $6.9 million from $14.1 million last year, reflecting higher activity levels. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $8.3 million from $7.3 million, primarily due to higher payroll and professional fees, including
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