NicOx, Merck Expand NO Pact

NicOx S.A. and Merck have expanded their worldwide license agreement following the discovery of a new approach to nitric oxide (NO) donation in their joint research program. This approach may be used to develop new classes of NO-donating new molecular entities (NMEs) designed to offer a different mechanism for controlling the delivery of NO, while retaining the potential therapeutic benefits.

NO is an endogenous cell-signaling molecule and there is evidence, according to the companies, that certain diseases are related to a deficiency in the production of NO. This new approach with Merck continues to build on the concept of a slow release of NO with a sustained pharmacological effect at tissue level.

Under the revised agreement, Merck has the right to develop compounds using this new approach in certain cardiovascular indications, while NicOx will have the right to develop candidates in other indications. The companies will pay development milestones and royalties to an undisclosed partner on products emerging from their respective research programs. NicOx and Merck have agreed not to disclose the compounds developed by Merck under the collaboration unless a drug candidate advances into Phase II studies.

Ennio Ongini, vice president research at NicOx, commented, “The research collaboration with Merck has been very fruitful, and it is as a result of the excellent scientific interaction that this new approach to NO donation was discovered. Novel molecules using this approach offer an exciting new alternative route to exploit the biological properties of NO which can potentially be used in a wide range of therapeutic areas.”