Vertex, Merck VX-680 deal
MRK received rights to develop and market VRTX's VX-680 small molecule Aurora kinase inhibitor, which is in preclinical development to treat cancer. VRTX will receive $20 million up front and a commitment from MRK for $14 million in research funding over the next two years. The partners also plan to characterize VX-680's activity across multiple cancers to develop follow-on candidates.
VRTX is eligible for up to $350 million in milestones, including $130 million for the development of VX-680 in the first oncology indication and additional milestones for follow-on compounds in major oncology indications. MRK is responsible for global clinical development and marketing. VRTX is eligible for royalties and has an option to negotiate co-promotion rights prior to commercialization. ...