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
Compass Pathways Announces New Employee Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)7.4.2026 22:30:00 CEST | Press release
Compass Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS), a biotechnology company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health, announced today that Compass granted equity awards under the Compass Pathways plc 2026 Inducement Plan to seven newly hired non-executive employees. The equity awards were granted on April 1, 2026 and consisted of options to purchase an aggregate of 117,445 shares and restricted share units or, in the case of employees in the United Kingdom nominal cost options, covering an aggregate of 55,875 shares. The options have an exercise price per share equal to $5.62, the closing price of the Company’s American Depositary Shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the grant date, and will vest over a four-year period with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the date of the grant and the remaining 75% vesting in equal monthly installments over the three-year period thereafter, subject to each employee’s continued employment. The restricted s
SLB OneSubsea and Subsea7 Sign Collaboration Agreement with PETRONAS Suriname7.4.2026 22:05:00 CEST | Press release
Partnership enables early engagement to co-develop cost-effective solutions and accelerate subsea development in Suriname Global energy technology company SLB (NYSE: SLB) today announced the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between PETRONAS Suriname E&P B.V. (“PETRONAS Suriname”), a subsidiary of PETRONAS and Subsea Integration Alliance, comprising SLB OneSubsea and Subsea7. This partnership aims to unlock resources in Suriname’s emerging frontier basin through innovative and cost-effective subsea solutions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331210557/en/ SLB OneSubsea has signed a strategic collaboration agreement between PETRONAS Suriname E&P B.V. (“PETRONAS Suriname”), a subsidiary of PETRONAS and Subsea Integration Alliance, comprising SLB OneSubsea and Subsea7. This partnership aims to unlock resources in Suriname’s emerging frontier basin through innovative and cost-effective subsea soluti
Nadia Karkar Joins 500 Global as Managing Partner7.4.2026 19:43:00 CEST | Press release
Former TPG Rise executive joins as Managing Partner as the firm expands its global investment platform. 500 Global today announced the appointment of Nadia Karkar as Managing Partner as the firm expands its global investment platform. Nadia’s appointment follows the recent announcement of the appointment of Atul Mehta — former Chief Investment Officer of the International Finance Corporation — to 500 Global's Board of Directors, and reflects the firm's continued build-out of the leadership and capabilities required to deliver on its next stage of global growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407719214/en/ Nadia Karkar Joins 500 Global as Managing Partner Nadia joins from TPG Rise, the $31 billion impact investing platform of TPG Inc., where she most recently served as Head of Business Development, responsible for product innovation, strategic partnerships and corporate development. She played a central rol
Mouser Electronics Explores How Artificial Intelligence Shapes Everyday Technologies and Experiences7.4.2026 17:11:00 CEST | Press release
Mouser Electronics, Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest electronic components and industrial automation products, today announced the first 2026 installment of its Empowering Innovation Together (EIT) technology series, Engineering AI for Daily Life. This installment explores how artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in everyday products and services, from assisted search and messaging tools to healthcare wearables that monitor personal well-being. As AI capabilities expand across consumer and connected devices, engineers continue to design systems that make these technologies more useful, intuitive, and trustworthy in real-world applications. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407524737/en/ This installment of Empowering Innovation Together explores how AI is increasingly embedded in everyday products and services, from assisted search and messaging tools to healthcare wearables
Umrah and Ziyarah Forum Concludes in Madinah with Landmark Achievements in Pilgrim Services7.4.2026 16:38:00 CEST | Press release
Under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region, the third edition of the Umrah, Hajj, and Ziyarah Forum concluded its activities, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's mission to enhance the experience for the "Guests of Allah." This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407456369/en/ Umrah and Ziyarah Forum Concludes in Madinah with Landmark Achievements in Pilgrim Services (Photo: AETOSWire) The final harvest of the forum resulted in exceptional numbers and a massive turnout, with more than 50,000 visitors flocking to the accompanying exhibition, which attracted over 150 exhibitors from global and local companies across an area exceeding 11,000 square meters. To enrich the knowledge aspect, the three days of the forum featured more than 160 speakers and trainers who contributed to discussions across 25 main sessions and 40 workshop
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