Daiichi Sankyo, Merck Expand Partnership to Develop MK-6070, a Delta-Like Ligand Targeting T-Cell Engager

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Daiichi Sankyo and Merck announced plans to expand their global collaboration to include MK-6070, a delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) targeting T-cell engager, in their existing co-development and co-commercialization agreement for three investigational deruxtecan (DXd) antibody-drug conjugates. According to both companies, the deal will see both teams develop and commercialize MK-6070 worldwide outside of Japan, where Merck holds exclusive rights. Moving forward, Merck will take sole responsibility for manufacturing and supply of MK-6070.¹

“Expanding our oncology pipeline with a DLL3 T-cell engager further supports Daiichi Sankyo’s strategy to create new standards of care for patients with cancer worldwide,” said Ken Takeshita, MD, global head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo, in a press release. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Merck with the addition of MK-6070 as it provides potential synergies with our established antibody-drug conjugate collaboration, particularly ifinatamab deruxtecan, and demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing new medicines for patients.”

Currently, the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of MK-6070 is being evaluated in a Phase I/II trial as a monotherapy. Additionally, the companies plan on evaluating MK-6070 in combination with ifinatamab DXd (I-DXd) in certain patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and other combinations. Merck acquired MK-6070 through its acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics back in March. The FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to MK-6070 for the treatment of SCLC back in March of 2022.

Under terms of the deal, Merck will receive an upfront cash payment of $170 million, with the companies sharing R&D and commercialization expenses globally. Daiichi Sankyo will receive all royalties based on sales in Japan. As per the original agreement, R&D expenses related to MK-6070 in combination with I-DXd will be shared in a consistent manner.¹

SCLC is the most aggressive from of lung cancer, with approximately 30,000 to 35,000 people diagnosed in the United States each year. Today, only 15% of all lung cancers are classified as SCLC. It is most common between the ages of 60-80 years, with men having a slightly higher chance of getting it during their lifetime. Further, 98% of people with the disease have a history of smoking, making it rare for patients who haven’t smoked in their lives. The overall five-year survival rate for people with SCLC is 7%.³

“Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive, fast-growing form of lung cancer and new treatment approaches are urgently needed,” said Dean Y. Li, president, Merck Research Laboratories, in the press release. “We are pleased to build upon our collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo and look forward to evaluating the novel combination of MK-6070 and ifinatamab deruxtecan in small cell lung cancer and other forms of cancer.”

References

1. Daiichi Sankyo and Merck Enter into Global Development and Commercialization Agreement for MK-6070. Merck. August 6, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.merck.com/news/daiichi-sankyo-and-merck-enter-into-global-development-and-commercialization-agreement-for-mk-6070/

2. Merck Completes Acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. Merck. March 11, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.merck.com/news/merck-completes-acquisition-of-harpoon-therapeutics-inc/

3. Who Gets Small-Cell Lung Cancer? WebMD. July 27, 2022. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/who-gets-small-cell-lung-cancer