Financing of Merida Biosciences was backed by Bain Capital Life Sciences, BVF Partners and Third Rock Ventures, with participation from multiple other investors.
The trial size adjustment, along with protocol modifications and the addition of higher-enrollment sites, is expected to facilitate completion of the NEPHRO CRRT study of Niyad in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy by the end of 2025.
Under terms of the deal, Merck will gain global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HRS-5346 for cardiovascular disease, excluding Greater China.
Under terms of the license agreement, Novo Nordisk will acquire the rights to develop and commercialize UBT251 outside of China for obesity and type 2 diabetes for an upfront payment of $200 million.