Merck & Co. (MSD) has signed a non-exclusive license and option agreement to develop oral formulations of its peptides using Austria-based Cyprumed’s innovative drug delivery technology.
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck gains non-exclusive global rights to Cyprumed’s oral peptide delivery platform for an undisclosed number of targets. The deal also gives Merck the option to exclusively license Cyprumed’s technology for use with individual targets.
Cyprumed will be eligible to receive up to $493 million in upfront, development, regulatory and net sales milestones associated with the approval of any products under the collaboration. The company will get additional payments if Merck exercises its exclusive license option.
Cyprumed’s proprietary delivery platforms feature innovative tablet formulations that offer better oral bioavailability and build on already approved pharmaceutical excipients, thus improving scalability, cost-efficiency and regulatory compliance.