Rahway- August 2024- Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and Curon Biopharmaceutical (Curon), a privately held biotechnology company, announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Merck, through a subsidiary, has agreed to acquire CN201, a novel investigational clinical-stage bispecific antibody for the treatment of B-cell associated diseases.

“We continue to identify opportunities to expand and diversify our pipeline,” said Dr. Dean Y. Li, president, Merck Research Laboratories. “Early clinical data have provided robust evidence for the potential of CN201 to target and deplete circulating and tissue B cells with the potential to treat a range of malignant and autoimmune diseases.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck through a subsidiary will acquire full global rights to CN201 for an upfront payment of $700 million in cash. Curon is also eligible to receive up to $600 million in milestone payments associated with the development and regulatory approval of CN201.

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Researchers are currently evaluating CN201 in Phase 1 and Phase 1b/2 clinical trials to treat patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Preliminary data show that CN201 effectively reduces B-cell populations in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell hematologic malignancies and tolerates well. However, the potential for significant and sustained reductions. Merck plans to evaluate CN201 as a treatment for B-cell malignancies as well as investigate its potential to provide a novel, scalable option for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

“This agreement reflects the drive and dedication of the Curon team,” said Zhihong Chen, president and chief executive officer, Curon. “As a pioneer in immuno-oncology, Merck is well positioned to build upon the work done to-date and investigate the wide-ranging, first-in-class potential of CN201.”