What We Offer

1998 – Imclone Systems  - Erbitux
Co-development agreement (ex-North America) with Imclone Systems for Erbitux, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). Erbitux was among the most successful product launches in Europe to date. It is currently registered for colorectal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and is in late-stage development in numerous other EGFR-expressing tumors.

2001 – Oncothyreon (Formerly Biomira) – Stimuvax
Exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Oncothyreon (formerly Biomira) for its cancer vaccine Stimuvax (BLP25 Liposome Vaccine), currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

2001 – ZymoGenetics – Atacicept
Co-development agreement with ZymoGenetics converted to an exclusive license in 2008 for atacicept (formerly referred to as TACI-Ig), a genetic fusion molecule currently in late-stage development in Lupus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis. We have also established a broad partnership since 2004 to research, develop and commercialize novel protein and antibody therapeutics, including the exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize products based on Fibroblast Growth Factor 18, Interleukin 22 Receptors and Interleukin 17 Receptors.

2005 – Survac ApS 
Following the acquisition of the Danish Biotechnology company Survac ApS, Merck Serono has gained access to novel technologies for the treatment of cancer.  The founders of Survac developed a technology to identify and modify peptides that are useful for therapeutic cancer vaccines. The acquisition of all intellectual property owned by Survac includes a broad patent portfolio in the area of proteins essential for the survival of cancer cells.  A cancer vaccine is in exploratory clinical trials. 

2006 – Newron – Safinamide
Exclusive worldwide license agreement to develop and commercialize Newron’s safinamide, currently in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

2007 – Ambrx – ARX 201
Collaboration with US biopharmaceutical company Ambrx for the development of growth hormone products designed to allow less frequent administration than current growth hormone daily dosing regimens.  Merck Serono has obtained worldwide commercialization rights for the most advanced candidate, ARX 201, currently in Phase I clinical trials.

2008 – Ablynx
Agreement with Belgian-based biopharmaceutical company Ablynx to co-discover and co-develop Nanobodies®, a new class of therapeutic proteins, against disease targets in oncology and immunology.

A strategically sized global player

Combining the flexibility and drive of a midsize company with the long-term view of Merck, a global pharmaceutical and chemical group

Recognized leadership in core therapeutic areas: 

Established presence in other therapeutic areas:

Emerging presence in new specialist therapies arising from R&D in Autoimmune and Inflammatory diseases, with advanced development projects in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

A broad technological base to focus on diverse target classes

Integrated research model with high connectivity

World-class NCE and NBE development and manufacturing capabilities

Balanced portfolio of small molecules (40%) and biologics (60%)

Professional alliance management teams dedicated to each partnership

3 globally integrated sites for research, marketing and licensing