Lilly Partners with Netherlands Oncology Research Firm
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe cancer research and development group of Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) is partnering with Merus N.V., a clinical-stage oncology company located in the Netherlands, in a deal valued at more than $1.6 billion.
Loxo Oncology at Lilly and Merus will collaborate on research, the development, and marketing of T-cell antibody therapies.
Merus will lead early-stage research while Loxo will be responsible for additional research, licensing and commercialization of the therapies.
“Merus has built a differentiated platform and one that we believe can enable us to create bispecific antibody therapies with wider therapeutic indexes than those available today. We look forward to working closely with Merus to develop new potential medicines for patients with cancer,” said Jacob Van Naarden, chief operating officer of Loxo Oncology at Lilly.
According to Lilly, the European research firm will receive an upfront cash payment of $40 million. Lilly will also make a $20 million equity investment in Merus (Nasdaq: MRUS) common shares.
Lilly says Merus is also eligible to receive up to $540 million in potential development and commercialization if milestones are reached and successfully launched in each of three products.